Wildflower Florist & Cypress Floral Design

Easy Halloween Party Decorations

2011-10-19T05:38:00.003-05:00

Having a Halloween party but lacking decorations? Don’t worry, there are some very easy Halloween decorations you can put together in an afternoon and with a very small budget.

Have any bottles lying around? Create different labels using a computer and printer (or just a magic marker). Stock these bottles of poison, eye of newt, and other concoctions near the punch bowl.

Buy black candles to use in your centerpiece and in other locations. They’re not extra scary or anything, but they can add a bit to the overall atmosphere. Likewise, a bouquet of black roses or fake dead roses on the mantle is a nice addition.

Drape your chairs and other furniture in white sheets. It helps turn your normal living room into a ghostly world. Plus, it looks neat under a black light if you happen to have one.

Cheap cobwebs and plastic spiders from the store won’t cost a lot, but they can do a lot for your décor.

Scoop out little pumpkins and turn them into tea light holders. Draw faces on them or add pipe cleaners or construction paper wings to make spiders and bats.

Look on the internet for old photographs or creepy looking photos, such as posed family photos from the turn of the century. Print and mount them on black cardstock. Display them as your “family” photos. Remember, the more off-putting the person in the photo is, the better!

Peel a few apples, carve them into faces, and submerge them in a jar of white vinegar: instant collection of shrunken heads!

If you want something a bit cuter and less creepy, turn white paper cupcake cups upside down. Add two eyes by either using something like paper-brad eyes or a marker. Then string them using thread or dental floss and hang.

A honeydew melon can quickly be carved up to look like a brain. Submerge the whole thing in red gelatin and let chill. Pull it out, carve the melon out, and carefully scrape away some of the gelatin, leaving enough that it looks like blood.

Decorating for Fall

2011-09-27T19:21:00.001-05:00

It’s almost October, and that means fall is now in full swing! If you haven’t done any fall decorating yet, now is the time to put away those summer decorations and bring out the autumn colors. Here are a few ways of decorating your home for this cooler season.

Change up your throw pillows, blankets, and sheets. Many people like to use light fabrics in the spring and summer, but you can do with darker tones for fall and winter. Browns and reds are especially popular. Many summer throw blankets are lightweight and just for decorative purposes, but ones for the fall are usually heavier and may actually be used.

Put out candles with fall scents to them, such as pumpkin and apple.

Put a wreath on your door that makes use of fall flowers (orange, yellow, and red ones).

Create a great table centerpiece using fall fruits and vegetables (pumpkins, squash, etc.), leaves, branches, dried corn, pine cones, and fall flowers.

Don’t forget to do a little fall decorating outdoors, too. One easy change besides the fall wreath on your front door is a fall welcome mat.

Back Up your Apology with Actions

2011-09-20T23:37:00.003-05:00

You’ve done something wrong, but you understand you’ve hurt someone and you’re ready to apologize. Great! However, sometimes a simple “I’m sorry” just isn’t enough. While you might be completely sincere and truly want to make amends, words don’t always do it. If you feel like this is one of those times, back up your apology with actions. This will help stress your contriteness and convince the hurt party that you truly do feel sorry.

What type of actions should you take? There are several. The first action is obviously showing up in person to give your apology. While this might not always be possible (a long-distance phone fight with a sibling, for example, may have to be settled over the phone), the best way of saying your sorry is to do it in person. Don’t send email, a text, or call unless it’s the only way you can get the person to listen to you. Otherwise, it may seem insincere. This is especially true with email and texting since it’s very hard to convey emotion through these media.

Showing up with a gift or two is another good way of backing up your apology. Chocolates, flowers, a stuffed animal or two…all of these are good, smart ways of saying you’re sorry. If it was a serious fight between spouses or long-term partners, jewelry may even be appropriate. The more personal the gift, the better. Just don’t buy something cheap looking.

Finally, you can say you’re sorry with dinner. A fancy restaurant is a good plan, but you can also cook dinner as an apology. Tickets to an event you both enjoy might also be a good option for an apology date. Again, make it personal and make it sincere. Otherwise, you might find yourself in more trouble than you started in!

The Perfect Gift for All Occasions

2011-09-13T23:04:00.002-05:00

Need a great gift for any occasion? Well, there are a few. If you don’t mind looking impersonal, you can go with a gift card. But what does a small piece of plastic really say about you? Not a lot. However, there is a great all-occasion gift that speaks volumes: flowers!

Why are flowers such a great gift? They’re very personal, for one thing. You can select the colors that the recipient loves, send them their favorite flowers, and pick out a vase that fits their personality. While there are many pre-designed arrangements that are absolutely stunning, you can work with a florist to customize these, or even have them create an arrangement from scratch. How much more personal can you get?

One concern why buying gifts is worrying if the person already has it. That’s not an issue with flowers. Even if the recipient gets two or three bouquets as birthday gifts, chances are they will be different. Even if they use the same flowers, it still doesn’t matter too much. You just can’t have too many flowers!

Flowers are great for any age. Girls like flowers just as much as grandmothers. There’s no birthday that can’t be celebrated with a bouquet of flowers. In fact, some girls and teens really love getting flowers as a gift.

Flowers can be a good gift for men and women. While it’s true that flowers aren’t the first thing that comes to mind for a man’s gift, some are quite appropriate. Flowering green plants, for example, are good gifts for men with offices that could use a little bit of color.

Next time you’re having difficulty picking out the perfect gift for a birthday, a holiday, or any occasion, go with flowers. They’re simply perfect for any and all events.

Grandparents Always Love You

2011-09-06T23:42:00.001-05:00

We’ve all been down on our luck, made mistakes, or done something that we later realized was just really, really dumb. During thick and thin, however, our families have always been there. While it’s our parent’s job to something chastise us and lecture us on where we’ve done the wrong thing, our grandparents are almost always there to give us unconditional support and help. Yes, parents do this, too, but grandparents seem to always be there to spoil us a bit.

Why do grandparents always love us so much? Perhaps because they know they can spoil us and give us all the unconditional love we want, and then they send us home! That’s not the only reason, though. Our grandparents grew up in a different time, a time that was, in many ways, much harder than ours. They understand what it’s like to be in trouble, to really need help, and now that they’ve made it through their tough times, they’re in a position to help. Maybe they had someone (their own grandparents, perhaps) help them out when they needed it, and now they want to pass it on. Maybe they just hate to see us struggling so. Whatever the reason, they’re always there with a hug, a kind word, and more if it’s needed.

This Sunday (Sept. 11) is National Grandparents Day. Don’t miss this opportunity to tell your grandparents how thankful you are for all they’ve done for you. For those who have lost their grandparents, take the time to remember them or take flowers to the cemetery. Let them know just how much you love them.

Labor Day Cookout Ideas

2011-08-31T00:43:00.001-05:00

Many people like to celebrate Labor Day by having a cookout. But if you’ve done this year after year, you might be looking for some new cookout ideas. Here are a few different ideas, both traditional and a bit different.

Traditional:
hot dogs, hamburgers, steak

BBQ:
Ribs, chicken wings

For the non-beef eaters:
Grilled chicken breast, grilled fish

Sides:
Grilled corn, Sesame parmesan zucchini, baked beans, grilled squash

Non-grilled sides:
Fresh salad, breadsticks, potato salad, coleslaw

Dessert:
Ice cream, ice cream pie, fresh watermelon, lemon bars, Rice Krispy treats

Off the grill and into the crockpot:
Sweet crockpot ribs, beans, crockpot potatoes, cheese dip

What kinds of food do you usually make for Labor Day? Leave us some ideas in the comments below!

Wrapping Up the Summer

2011-08-24T04:55:00.001-05:00

With the end of August coming in just a few days, it looks like summer is wrapping up. September usually (and, in some cases, hopefully) brings with it cooler weather, and people start reaching for jackets. It’s time to put away the swimsuits, shorts, and other summer items. As we wrap up summer, it’s time to start thinking ahead to the fall.

As temperatures start to cool up, one of the first things you’ll want to do to wrap up the summer is put away your summer clothes. Some people move them to the back of the closet or fold them and put them in storage boxes. Either way, you’ll want to make room for your fall and winter clothes. You may need to wash or iron them, especially if they’ve been folded. You might also need to take a few things to the cleaners.

Some people change their décor each season. If you’re one of them, wrapping up the summer means putting away the summer decorations. This might mean changing the quilt on your bed to one that incorporates more brown, orange, red, and yellow (traditional fall colors) or putting a different welcome mat out. Other things you might change include decorative pillows, throws, wreaths, decorative candles, and decorative towels.

Another way of wrapping up the summer is to give the exterior of your home a change. Some chores that you need to do aren’t fun and don’t do much to change your home’s look, such as cleaning out the gutters. However, you can take the time to paint and patch up a few things, too.

The end of summer doesn’t have to mean the end of doing things outdoors, though. You can still get in a few picnics, continue walking or jogging outdoors, and take the kids to the park. In fact, the early fall is often the preferred time to do some outdoor events since it is cooler. If you haven’t been to the zoo this summer, for example, now may be the perfect time.

Spend the next few weeks wrapping up the summer and preparing for the fall. That way, when the cooler temperatures get here, you’ll be ready.

Make Going Back to School Fun

2011-08-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

“I don’t wanna go back to school!” If you have kids, you might have heard that recently. It’s time for school to start up again for most kids (some have been back in school on the year-round schedule). But some kids don’t like the idea of giving up their leisurely summer schedule for early mornings, lectures, and homework. It can be hard to change their minds, but there are a few things you can do to make going back to school fun.

1) Turn the back to school shopping trip into an adventure. Some parents get the school supply list and buy everything themselves. While that might be considered less of a hassle, it helps build up the excitement if you let your children pick out their own supplies. Let them decide on their lunchbox, backpack, crayons, etc.

2) Let your kids pick out a new back to school outfit.

3) Plan a special first day of school breakfast. Fix your family’s favorite breakfast foods and make sure there’s plenty of time to get to school or the bus stop. You don’t want to rush on the first day.

4) Set a good mood for the school year. Remind your kids about fun things from the year before, and do your best to minimize talk of negative things. Remind your kids that school can be fun.

5) Plan a “back to school” event the weekend before school starts. Maybe have your kids invite a few of their friends over for a sleep over or go to a water park.

Summer Love – Keep It Burning!

2011-08-10T02:13:00.000-05:00

Summer seems to be a great time to start a new romance. If you’ve discovered love this summer, you may be afraid that it will fade as the temperature drops off. However, there are many ways to keep your summer love burning. Here are a few things to keep in mind when your summer romance seems to start to cool.

Talk to each other. No summer romance can survive a lack of communication. It doesn’t matter how you keep the lines of communication open, just do. If you don’t get the chance to see each other that often, then resort to alternative methods. Call, email, text, leave notes for each other…whatever it takes. Of course, this doesn’t mean you have to be in constant contact with each other—a little space is good, too.

Make time for each other. In today’s busy world, it can be hard to make time to be together. But if you want to keep your summer love going, it’s important to make time. Sure, phone calls and emails are great, but they are no substitute for being together. If necessary, set aside a few days a month as your special date time. Don’t let anything be scheduled on those days. If you want your romance to succeed, you’ve got to commit to it.

Learn the little details about your significant other. What music does he/she like? Food? TV shows? Many summer romances start out as just surface relationships—they’re physical, but often you don’t really get into the little things. Learn about each other and then put that knowledge to use.

These are just three little things you should do to keep your summer love going. If you put a little effort into it and that spark is there, you won’t have any trouble keeping your relationship going.

Starting a New Friendship

2011-08-03T01:19:00.000-05:00

While some people claim they’re happy with the friends they have, many will actually jump at the chance to form a new friendship with someone. This is because we’re all social creatures at heart, and we do need some form of interaction to be whole. But starting a new friendship isn’t always easy.

Finding new potential friends is, of course, somewhat difficult. Do you try to cultivate friendships at work? That can sometimes backfire. Do you go out and socialize? Sometimes the people you meet in bars and clubs aren’t exactly people you want to be friends with. However, these are sources of potential new friends, as are churches, local events, and even the internet.

Once you’ve met someone you think may be a friend, how do you go forward? Some friendships are formed almost accidentally: you end up at the same business-related functions or events. Maybe you decide to attend a series of lectures at a local university and see the same person each time. You chat with them and eventually exchange contact information and start a correspondence. If you’re a parent, you might meet other parents at school events and realize you have a lot in common. While these types of acquaintances aren’t necessarily friends, they can become friends if you continue to talk and see each other.

But true friends will get together outside of events and meetings like this. You might email back and forth with someone on a topic you both enjoy and, eventually, one of you will suggest meeting for dinner or for coffee to continue the discussion. This is when you start to move into friendship territory.

There are other ways to start friendships, of course. You can join an online pen pal site and chat or email back and forth. Some friendships start while playing online games. Some come from professional associations like writing groups or professional society conferences. No matter where your new friendship begins, by nurturing it, you’ll come to have a new friend in your life.

Need Help With Love?

2011-07-26T13:54:00.001-05:00

We all want to fall in love and find someone who will be our friend, lover, and helper in life. But finding that person is much easier said than done. Even after finding your soul mate, there can be bumps along the way. Love is never easy, and everyone needs a little help now and then. But where do you turn when you need help with love?

Most people turn to their friends for help with love. Friends, especially close friends, can provide an outside look at our relationship. Sometimes they see what’s wrong when we can’t because we’re too close to the situation. Even when they don’t do this, friends can provide insight into relationships and advice based on their own experiences. And if all else fails, they’re a shoulder to cry on (or eat ice cream with).

Family, especially our parents, is also fairly experienced with love and can hand out advice as needed. They have years of experience dealing with love and relationships, and again, they often have an outside view on things that we simply can’t get.

But both friends and family are going to be somewhat biased, and we often need an outside view. Outsiders can give us a help with love by giving us the flat out truth, whether or not we want it. But where can we find someone who is truly unbiased? It’s very difficult. Some people turn to co-workers, but it can be uncomfortable discussing something as personal as your love life with them. Others turn to books on relationships. The problem here is that while these books can help us with love, they’re also written for a wide audience. Often, your specific circumstances don’t quite fit with anything in the books.

So you need a personal touch. Where can you find it? In some areas, there are radio shows that take calls and give out advice. However, even if you use a different name, your voice and your problems are going out to everyone listening. That may not be exactly what you want! In that case, you can write in to columns like Dear Abby. Unfortunately, she gets a lot of letters every day, and it may take her weeks or even months to get around to giving you some love advice! That’s no good, either.

So where can you turn for an unbiased opinion that’s also personal? It’s difficult to find good love advice these days! There are some places, however. Some people feel comfortable talking about such things with their hairdressers. Others might decide to chat up random people on the subway or the bus (which may not be fun for you if you’re one of these random people!). If you’re ordering flowers, maybe your florist has some good romance tips.

Love advice can come from many different places, but it’s always best when it comes from someone with good intentions. Strangers might not always have your best interests at heart—they may just want to get on with their day! While friends and family might always take your side and self-help books don’t always apply, a balance of both may be the best thing there is. Of course, your gut can give you good love advice, too—if the relationship feel right (or wrong), follow up on these instincts.

And always listen to your florist! :)

Flowers Give Your Spirit a Lift

2011-07-20T05:49:00.000-05:00

Are you feeling down? If so, finding something to give your spirit a lift might be a bit difficult. Flowers, however, almost always lift the spirit a bit. Imagine seeing a bright, beautiful bouquet of flowers on your desk when you walk into work. Doesn’t that make you feel great? Knowing that someone thought enough of you to send you flowers can really give you a nice confidence boost.

Flowers can lift our spirits in other ways, too. The bright, cheery colors can turn any dreary room into a happy place. Adding color to your office or to a dark room by using fresh flowers is a really nice way to completely change the atmosphere of an area.

Scent is another way flowers lift the spirit. By inhaling the great smell of roses or any other flower, you feel refreshed. Scent is a powerful memory trigger, too. Perhaps smelling roses will remind you of the flowers you received on last Valentine’s Day or on your anniversary.

But you probably don’t have fresh flowers on your desk every day to lift your spirits. How, then, can you use flowers to give you a little boost? Well, as the saying goes, take time to stop and smell the roses! If you have flowers at home, spend a few minutes each day tending to them. You might also pass by flowers on the way to work—outside the office building or in the reception area. These flowers may be out of sight most of the time, but just take note of them when you walk in and let their uplifting colors stay with you the rest of the day.

The Joy of Making Someone Smile

2011-07-13T02:54:00.000-05:00

You’ve heard people say that smiling can make everything better, but is that always true? Well, the fact is that there is a lot of joy in making someone else smile. Just give it a try and you’ll see. So how do you go about making someone smile? It’s pretty simple—a compliment, a little gift, or just a smile and a “hello” can do the trick.

Why is there joy is making someone else smile? It all has to do with making someone feel good. People just like to see that others are happy. Knowing that you’ve done something to make another person at least smile can mean a lot. You’ve affected someone’s mood, and that means the other person must at least have noticed you.

Making someone else smile is a gift for both the other person and for you. If you’re ever in a bad mood, having someone smile at you is a great way of lifting you out of that mood. If you carry that happiness on and smile at someone else, you’ll pass it along. Think of the chain reaction of joy you can start with just a simple smile!

Making someone smile seems like such a little thing, but it can completely turn someone’s day around. The next time you see someone, smile at them and watch their eyes light up. You’ll be glad you did.

Summer Birthday Party Ideas

2011-07-07T02:22:00.004-05:00

Do you have a birthday in the summer? Maybe your spouse, children, or friends do. If you’re in charge of planning a summer birthday, here are some great party ideas.

Have a cookout.

Have a picnic at a local park. This is especially great for kids’ parties.

Go play miniature golf.

Go to a water park or fun park.

Camp out, even if it’s just in your back yard.

If you have a pool, invite your friends and family over for a swim, or just hang out around the pool.

For a kid’s party, break out the sprinklers or other water toys. Kids love getting wet when it’s hot outside.

Instead of cake, get an ice cream cake or have an ice cream sundae bar. Snow cones can also be a fun dessert, especially if you have a small home snow cone maker. You can get different flavors of syrup and lets guests pick their favorite.

Above all, do something that keeps you and your guests out of the heat. While outdoor activities can be fun, don’t head outdoors if you’re seeing temperatures in the three digits.

Independence Day Activities

2011-06-29T01:46:00.001-05:00

Do you have any plans for the Fourth of July? If you don’t, it’s not too late to make plans. Here are a few ideas for activities to do on Independence Day.

• Have a family cook out
• Buy a volleyball net and invite friends over for a game
• If it’s too hot to be outdoors, have a movie marathon (maybe watch “Independence Day”)
• Go out to one of the many different Fourth of July firework spectaculars
• Attend a concert. Many large venues hold Fourth of July concerts
• Have a picnic for dinner. You can sit outdoors after you eat and watch fireworks go off
• If there’s a lake nearby, take a day trip to swim, fish, and enjoy playing around in the water
• If you’re getting together with friends to watch or shoot off your own fireworks, you might want to spend the morning baking treats. You can get your kids involved and make it a fun family event
• Organize a Fourth block party. Have your neighbors over for burgers and hot dogs. The kids can get involved and have their own Fourth parade using their bikes and wagons
• Visit a war memorial or museum and think about those who have lost their lives guaranteeing our freedoms

Decorating for Summer

2011-06-22T02:42:00.000-05:00

Summer is here! Have you made any thought to decorating your home for summer? Some people don’t really redecorate for do anything special for summer, but you don’t have to do much to add a little summer flair to your home.

Fresh summer flowers, of course, make a perfect addition to your summer home. Just order an arrangement from your local florist or, if you raise your own flowers, cut a few and place them in a nice vase. Put the bouquet on the dining room table or in another prominent place.

Add some light colored pillows, sheets, and other accessories to your bed. Summer is a time of light, airy décor, so put away your darker colored bedspread and go with something with a summer print. You can do the same thing with your dining room table’s tablecloth and place mats.

Some people put out a new welcome mat in front of their front door during the summer. Pick something with a fun summer picture or design on it.

If you want to change up some of your wall décor, hang up some floral prints, outdoor images, and other pictures with bright colors. Most people decorate with lighter colors or even pastels in the summer and use the darker, bold colors for winter.

To change up your living room, put out some new throw pillows and maybe switch up the items on your coffee table, if you have one. Put out some coasters that feature floral images or change out any candles you have decorating your living room.

Overall, to get a nice summer feel to your home, go with bright summer colors. Change things like pillows, small decorative items, and add some flowers to make your home seem more alive and bright.

Great Father’s Day Gift Ideas

2011-06-15T03:31:00.002-05:00

Father’s day has rolled around again, and for many, that means going from store to store before decided on getting dad yet another tie or gift card. There’s got to be something better out there, right? Here are some cool gift ideas for dad.

Outdoor cooking items - Father’s Day is right at the start of summer, and that means grilling! Buy your dad some new grilling tools or even get him a fancy new grill if he needs one. Cookbooks, an apron, and some lawn furniture are other nice items for the outdoor cook.

Fishing supplies –If your dad loves to fish, hook him up with a new pole, lures, a tackle box, and other fishing supplies. Who knows, maybe he will catch a whopper and grill it up for you.

Sports items – Fathers who enjoy a good game need good equipment. Buy dad some new golf clubs or golf balls, a new catcher’s mitt, or a new tennis racket.

Wine – Many men, especially older men, learn to appreciate a nice glass of wine with a meal. Pick up a nice vintage for your dad to enjoy next time your parents have a dinner party or the next time they celebrate a special event.

His favorite movie or television series – Many classic TV and movie series are now on DVD and blu-ray, and they’re very affordable. If you know your dad loves watching MASH reruns, get him the entire series!

A geeky toy – There are a number of different websites out there that offer unique little gizmos and toys that dads are sure to love. Does he need a Star Wars lightsaber that actually lights up? How about a USB coffee cup warmer to keep his morning java warm? Maybe a mouse pad with his World of Warcraft character on it? All of these and more are available for the geeky dad.

Plants and gift baskets – While we can’t help you find a talking Yoda for your dad or a bottle of wine, Wildflower does have several different ideas for dad. Some dads do like flowers, and we have several arrangements designed for men. We also have gift baskets full of gourmet fruits and candy.

The History of Roses

2011-06-08T04:37:00.001-05:00

Roses have been around forever, but few people actually know the true history of the flower. In fact, few people know just how old the rose is. According to some fossil evidence, roses existed 35 million years ago! That’s ancient!

Roses were cultivated hundreds of years ago. Some research shows that they were grown in China about 5,000 years ago, but the first hard evidence of roses being grown was during the time of the Roman Empire. Rome traded extensively with the Middle Eastern kingdoms, which great many roses. They were often used in medicine, for perfume, and as decoration. Roman nobles quickly took to the idea and imported roses, creating huge rose gardens in Southern Rome. However, following the fall of the empire, roses went through periods of high and low popularity.

In the fifteenth century, the rose often appeared in the seals and symbols associated with different noble families in England. This reached its high point with the War of the Roses, fought between York and Lancaster. York’s banner was marked with a white rose, while Lancaster’s forces fought under the red rose.

During the seventeenth century, royalty had come to regard roses as one of the most important flowers. They often hired professional rose gardeners, and at times, the rose was even used as a major bartering unit. Josephine, Napoleon’s wife, loved roses, and she grew many of them at their home at Chateau de Malmaison. During the 1820s, painter Pierre Joseph Redoute painted many watercolors at the chateau, creating his “Les Rose” collection.

The modern-day rose has its roots in Europe. During the late 18th century, many roses were imported from China and grown in Europe. These roses were repeat bloomers, something that European gardeners found fairly rare. Many began breeding these roses, creating hybrids between the Chinese roses and the roses found in Europe. The resulting flowers had a long blooming season and were very hardy.

Today, roses are very popular, especially on anniversaries and Valentine’s Day. If you want to show someone how much you love them, roses are the go-to flower. They’ve been around for ages, and it looks like they will continue to be popular for many, many more.

Going Green is Easy

2011-06-01T03:20:00.001-05:00

Do you think saving the environment is an impossible challenge? It might seem like it, but it really is possible to make a few little changes and go green. You don’t need to buy a hybrid or install energy monitors in your home (although you certainly should if you can afford them). These small, easy ways of going green are a great way to do your part.

Use cloth bags for grocery shopping.

Take shorter showers to conserve water.

Ride your bike or walk to work.

Carpool or take the bus if walking isn’t an option.

Ask your utility company if they offer energy supplied by wind farms.

Look into having an energy audit to see how you can conserve power at home.

Turn off the lights when you leave a room.

Unplug electronics when they aren’t in use (they draw a small amount of charge while plugged in).

Recycle!

Use thermal curtains in your home to help save on utility costs.

By vintage clothing and used books. In addition to often being cheaper, vintage clothing can look really cool!

Use social networking sites like Facebook to send out invitations to events instead of mailing paper invitations (although use paper invites for weddings and major formal events).

Request electronic bills from utilities and credit cards. Also go to electronic bank statements if you can.

Get off junk mail lists. This saves paper and gets rid of annoying mailbox clutter.

Buy in bulk. It’s cheaper and uses less packaging.

Use cloth items whenever possible, such as cloth diapers and cloth napkins. Also avoid using paper plates and paper cups when you can.

These things may not seem like a big deal, but they really do save on resources and energy. They’re also very easy and cheap. In fact, many of them save you money! Why not go green? It’s good for the environment and your bank account!

The History of Memorial Day

2011-05-25T04:11:00.001-05:00

Memorial Day is next Monday. While many people spend the day visiting cemeteries, having lunch with the family, and thinking about the loved ones we’ve lost, most people don’t actually know how Memorial Day began.

The holiday has its roots back in 1865, hen decorating solders’ graves became popular in the north U.S. The first observance was in May of 1866 in Waterloo, New York. This town-wide event became an annual observance. General John Murray, a Waterloo resident, and General John Logan helped promote the practice. Logan, the head of a group for Northern Civil War veterans, named May 30 as Decoration Day in 1868. May 30 was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any battle and so any soldier and any conflict could be remembered.

The day of remembrance spread throughout the north U.S. within a few years. Michigan became the first state to make Decoration Day an official holiday in 1871, and by 1890, every northern state had done the same. Many different groups began sponsoring ceremonies and other events on Decoration Day.

In the South, the day actually started as the day freed slaves celebrated their freedom. In 1865, the first large group of freedmen gathered at the Washington Race Course to celebrate. The course had temporarily served as a prison camp for Union soldiers captured by the Confederacy, and it was home to a mass grave for those who died in the camp. The freedmen reburied each of the soldiers in individual graves and built a fence around it, declaring it a Union graveyard. A number of sermons and ceremonies were held there on May 1, 1865.

The Southern states adopted Decoration Day, but each state held their own anywhere from late April to mid-June. June 3, the birthday of Confederate President Jefferson Davis, was named a state holiday in 1916 in ten states, and it served as an equivalent to Decoration Day for residents. These celebrations, unlike some of the North’s, were serious, simple events. One state, Mississippi, celebrated both Union and Confederate soldiers in 1866, making its Decoration Day one of the earliest events to honor all fallen soldiers.

In 1882, the name Memorial Day was used for the first time. However, it didn’t become commonly used until after World War II. The name was chosen as the name of the official federal holiday in 1967. In 1968, the Uniform Holidays Bill merged three different holidays (Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Washington’s Birthday) into Memorial Day and set its current date, the last Monday of May. This official day took effect in 1971.

Since then, all 50 states have followed the Federal Memorial Day weekend. However, several senators and representatives have attempted to have the date changed back to May 30. The bills have received some attention but have always failed.

Celebrate Your Graduation

2011-05-18T01:36:00.003-05:00

Graduation…you’ve done it! You’ve finished a major time in your life. Before you move on to higher education or work, take a moment or two to celebrate your graduation. How? Well, here are a few ideas.

Your family will most likely throw you a graduation party, so there’s one major way of celebrating. They might bring cards, small gifts, or flowers to the ceremony itself. Following that, many of your family members may gather at a restaurant or a house to have cake and tell you congratulations.

Another way some people celebrate is by going out with their classmates after the ceremony for one last big party. Parents sometimes discourage this, especially after high school graduation, but it is a nice way for people to say goodbye.

While these are ways to celebrate right after the ceremony, you may want to take a longer break. School can be stressful no matter what kind of school it is. If you’re planning on college or graduate school, you might even want to take the whole summer off as a way of celebrating your accomplishment. Barring that, some people at least take a few weeks off as a reward.

What about doing something bigger? Some people actually take a big vacation following their graduation. Classmates may plan a trip together, or the family might take a vacation to celebrate their grad. You might even want to take a trip by yourself. Some graduates even go all-out and backpack across Europe or take a roadtrip and visit many places before moving on to the next stage of their lives.

No matter how you celebrate your graduation, be sure you do take time to properly enjoy yourself. Your graduation is a big moment, and you’ve worked hard for it.

Shower Your Mom with Love

2011-05-02T17:00:00.001-05:00

This Mother’s Day, take the time to shower your mom with love. She truly deserves it! There are many different things you can do for your mom this Mother’s Day to show her just how much you love her: take her out to eat, buy her flowers, and get her a gift. But what do you get your mom? Many moms seem to have it all, and showering her with love can be difficult. True, the sentiment is all that really matters, but you feel badly if you don’t get mom something. Here are some unique gift ideas that will not only show her how much she’s loved but are also a little different.

Make her mix CDs of her favorite music. Some older moms may not know how to create mix CDs or may not be that computer-savvy, but most everyone has a CD player now. If mom doesn’t, buy her one to go along with the gift. Create CDs of some of her favorite artists and songs, and then design some cool labels for them. You could even have each of your kids make their mom a CD.

If you’re an artist, paint mom a portrait. Maybe do one of her, or of your family, or just paint a picture you know she will like. Make her a sculpture, write a song just for her, or write her a poem—anything creative and unique is sure to make your mom feel incredibly special.

Instead of buying a Mother’s Day card, make one. Your kids will have a lot of fun doing this, but adults can have fun making a card, too. Get creative and cut out pictures, add different decorative things, and use lots of color. Mother’s Day cards don’t have to be serious, so have some fun with it.

Make a photo or video collage. If you’re into scrapbooking, you can make a scrapbook for mom, or do a single page and frame it. If you’re more technology-minded, take some of those home videos (new or old) and create a music video for mom. It’s sure to be something she will watch over and over.

No matter how you shower mom with love this Mother’s Day, make sure it’s special. Do something unique for her that you know she will appreciate. It’s the thought that counts, and while that may be a cliché, it’s certainly still true!

Mother’s Day in Houston

2011-04-28T01:29:00.002-05:00

Do you have your plans made for Mother’s Day? This important event is May 8th, which isn’t very far away! If you don’t have plans made yet, maybe some of these Mother’s Day events in Houston will be perfect for you and your mom.

If you’re looking for a place to eat, here are some restaurants having Mother’s Day specials:
• Backstreet Café – 3 courses for $42 and live music
• 17 Restaurant at the Alden – 3 courses for $55
• Bistro des Amis – 3 courses for $34
• The Houstonian – buffet with champagne and mimosas
• Mo’s Steaks – buffet including made to order omelets and beef tenderloin

The Children’s Museum of Houston is having a Mommy’s Day Bash. Moms get free admission. Lisa Harris will perform original songs and read from her books celebrating moms. Kids can make mom a bouquet of flowers made from found objects at the Junktion activity area.

If your mom likes to laugh, take her to ComedySportz. They are doing a special Mother’s Day show of improve comedy. Two teams compete for the loudest laughter. The jokes are all family-friendly, and there is some audience participation, too. Tickets are $16, but moms get in free Mother’s Day weekend.

The Downtown Aquarium offers moms a Sunday brunch with more than 40 items on the menu and half off an All Day Adventure Pass.

The Houston International Festival is a 10 day arts and cultural festival that will be held over Mother’s Day weekend. Life music and more make up this great event.

Star Fleet yachts will have a special Star Fleet Mother’s Day Cruise on Galveston Bay. This two hour cruise includes a champagne brunch, lunch, or dinner, live music, a cash bar, and dancing.

Join the Highlights of Houston Ballet on Mother’s Day for their special tribute to moms. The performance will be held at the Miller Outdoor Theater from 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tickets are free, but you must order tickets ahead of time.

Finally, Opera Laggera will perform “There Ain’t Nothin’ Like a Dame,” a collection of music honoring mothers. The show will be held on May 6 at 7:30 pm and on May 7 at 7:00 pm.

No matter what you do with your mom on her special day, be sure to send her a beautiful bouquet of flowers from our amazing selection of arrangements made just for mothers.

Easter Events in Houston

2011-04-20T22:32:00.009-05:00

There are a lot of different Easter events going on this weekend in Houston. Here are just a few of them.

Cypress United Methodist Church will hold an egg hunt from 9:00 to 12:00. In addition to the egg hunt, enjoy photos with the Easter bunny, live music, and various arts and crafts.

The Orange Show Monument will host its Easter Orange Hunt on Saturday. Kids can search for hidden eggs, oranges, and other treats. The Men of Houston Morris Dancers will also perform. Refreshments will be provided.

Sur la Table is offering an elegant Sunday brunch on Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00. The meal included parmesan and ham quiche, leek, roasted asparagus salad, and orange-scented French toast. Note that children are not allowed—you must be 18 or older. The cost is $75 per person.

The Way Church of Montgomery County will hold its Easter Egg drop on Sunday. Over 5,000 eggs will be released from a helicopter. Some lucky egg gatherers will win ipods or digital cameras!

The High Meadows Branch of the Houston Library is holding an egg hunt on Saturday at 11:00.

The 18th Annual Houston Easter Invitational is Friday and Saturday at Bear Creek Park. This soccer tournament is open to teams of players between 8 and 18.

Moody Gardens in Galveston will host Easter in the Gardens on Sunday from 11:00 to 3:00. This free event includes arts and crafts, music, games, and a petting zoo in addition to an egg hunt.

Admin Pros We Should Thank

2011-04-19T21:59:00.003-05:00

Administrative Professionals Week is April 24th through the 30th, with Administrative Professionals Day falling on April 27. This is the week/day we pause and give thanks to all the administrative professionals in our offices. These hardworking assistants do more than just answer the phones and get coffee. In fact, many of them are responsible for the day to day running of the office and for making everything necessary for major events come together.

There are a lot of different administrative professionals we should thank this week. The International Association of Administrative Professionals defines administrative professionals as “individuals who are responsible for administrative tasks and coordination of information in support of an office-related environment and who are dedicated to furthering their personal and professional growth in their chosen profession.” While a lot of people think this day is all about secretaries (it was originally called Secretary’s Day), today administrative professionals have a variety of titles: office coordinator, administrative specialist, office manager, and executive assistant are just a few of them.

This month, be sure to thank your hard working administrative professionals in your life. Take them out to lunch, send them a beautiful bouquet of flowers, or even give them the day (or at least the afternoon) off. Show your administrative assistant just how valuable they are. Wildflower Florist can’t do everything for Administrative Professionals Day, but we can certainly help with the flowers. Check out our variety of flowers that are perfect for the day, and you might even want to get some of our tasty Godiva chocolates, too!

Take a Break and Enjoy the Spring Weather

2011-04-12T22:13:00.002-05:00

Ah, the spring weather. The snow and ice are gone, the sun is shining, and it’s really nice outside. Flowers are in bloom, the birds are back, and we all just want to blow off work and enjoy the weather. So take a break and enjoy this spring weather! Need some ideas as to what to do? Well, here are some ideas.

Go to a park. The best way of enjoying the spring weather is to sit and relax in it. Parks are a great place to do this. If you don’t have time to spend an evening or a weekend outdoors, how about your lunch hour? Pick up lunch (or pack a picnic ahead of time) and take your lunch break outside. Chances are, there’s at least one park close enough to your office to make this a great option. If not, some restaurants, even fast food places, have some seating outdoors.

Another way of enjoying the spring weather is to take the family on a camping trip, or go with friends if you’re single. You don’t have to go too far to camp—many places have campgrounds. Don’t want to go to a campground? Kids enjoy camping out in the backyard. This gives you the option of sleeping in your own bed if you’re not the type who enjoys staying out all night while still giving kids that great outdoor experience.

Going to a park or having lunch outdoors are great ways of enjoying the spring weather for many, but still, they might not be options for everyone. But there is still one great way to enjoy the spring: sit outdoors on your front porch and read, or cook out. You don’t have to leave home, you do something you might have been doing anyway, and you can enjoy the spring weather. If you really want to have an exciting evening, invite some friends over, sit up a table in the back yard, and have a dinner party.

There are many different ways of taking a break to enjoy the nice weather. These ideas are just that, a few ideas. You can always go for a walk or jog in lieu of exercising in a gym, play with your pets outdoors, or work in your flower bed. Whatever you do, be sure you get some relaxation out of it, and be sure to take a moment and take in the spring weather.

Small Bouquets Can Speak Volumes

2011-04-06T02:02:00.002-05:00

If you’re thinking of sending someone flowers, you may immediately think that you need to go with the biggest and fanciest arrangement your budget can cover. But that’s not always true. Sometimes, small bouquets can speak volumes. This is especially true if you send the right flower or send the bouquet at the right time.

Sending the right flowers is always important when sending an arrangement. Suppose someone doesn’t like roses (some people don’t). You’ll get a better response by sending a small arrangement of daisies than you would sending a dozen roses. In fact, if you send the person a small bouquet of their favorite flowers, it shows you know them better. This always makes a better impression than sending something traditional.

Sending flowers at the right time is also important. Timing can make up for size, especially if the sentiment comes from the heart. A small bouquet of her favorite flowers on her birthday or anniversary is a good example. A small bouquet is also great for a “just because” gift where large arrangements may be a bit too much.

A small bouquet is also sometimes the more appropriate choice. If you’re sending a thank you arrangement to a co-worker or a business acquaintance, a large bouquet is probably a bit much. A smaller bouquet is more appropriate and will adequately say thank you or congratulations without being too much. You don’t want to create an awkward situation by sending a large arrangement that might imply a bit more than you intended.

We have a number of different small bouquets that may be exactly perfect for your next flower-sending occasion. Check them out and contact a Wildflower Florist if you have any questions.

Indoor Gardening

2011-03-29T19:56:00.001-05:00

Indoor gardening can be a challenge if you don’t have a natural green thumb. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Anyone can grow indoor plants with a little patience, knowledge, and maybe a bit of luck. Here are some general indoor gardening tips. Remember, though, that each type of flower and plant may have its own particular needs.

Light, of course, is very important to plants. If the intensity of light coming through a window is lower than what a plant actually needs, the plant will start to look pale and lose its luster. To fix this, move the plant closer to the window or to a different location where the lighting is better. Just be careful, however, not to change the lighting on a plant dramatically. This can cause sunburn. While it might sound funny to think of a plant getting sun burnt, they can.

Be careful not to over-water your plants and flowers. While it’s important to make certain your houseplants have enough to drink, don’t water them if the soil is still moist. Many people water their plants on a set schedule whether the plants need it or not. This can lead to over-watering, which can cause plants to die.

Remember that city water is treated and usually has different chemicals like fluoride added to it. Plants and flowers don’t always like these chemicals, so it’s best to either use bottled water or to let your water sit out in an open container 24 hours before adding it the soil. This gives the chemicals enough time to evaporate.

Finally, be careful of freezing or drying out your plants. Temperatures that are too hot or too cold can cause indoor plants to lose a bit of their luster, too. Don’t let it get below 50 degrees or you may find your plants start to suffer. Likewise, anything above 85 might be too warm for your plants, especially if they are near a vent.

Live in Houston? It’s a Happy Place!

2011-03-23T04:22:00.003-05:00

Do you live in Houston? If you do, you know what a happy place it is. In fact, Kiplinger magazine has listed Houston as one of its Best Cities to Live, Work, and Play. The city didn’t just make it to their top ten places to live, it ranked number one! Kiplinger worked with the research director of the Martin Prosperity Institute to create the list using a formula that looks at past events in the city plus the type of people who live there. People in creative fields like writing, the arts, entertainment, engineers, scientists, and educators help create a vital, happy city. Houston is full of these people!

Think about all the things you do in Houston that make you happy. Maybe it’s going to a sporting event. Houston has a lot to offer for the sports enthusiast, including the Houston Rockets basketball team, a hockey team, a soccer team, and a number of different college teams. No matter what season, you’re sure to find some sports events going on.

Shopping is also something that makes people happy, and there are many different shopping opportunities in Houston. There are some large malls if you’re they type who loves browsing through many different stores at once, or you can search out some of the smaller boutiques and shops that are spread throughout the city.

Houston has a good number of parks and recreational activities, too. Moody Gardens, The Reef water park, and the Kemah Boardwalk in nearby Kemah are all great day outings for a family. You can also relax in any of the parks around the city or play golf at Hermann Park.

These are just a few of the things that people love about Houston. When you take these attractions and combine them with the great people in the Houston area, it’s no wonder that the city is such a happy place.

The History of St. Patrick’s Day

2011-03-14T00:49:00.001-05:00

St. Patrick’s Day is coming up! There are some traditions we all know about—wearing green, going to parades, and having a tall glass of green beer. But where did these traditions come from, and when did St. Patrick’s Day begin? Here’s a short history of the holiday and some of the traditions that go with it.

The holiday is named after Saint Patrick, but there’s not a whole lot known about the man the stories are based on. He was born in the fourth century in Britain, which was under the control of the Roman Empire at that time. His family was quite wealthy, and his father and grandfather were both deacons in the church. He was kidnapped at sixteen and sold into slavery in Ireland. No one is certain where he was held, but during that time, he had a dream in which God told him to escape and head to the coast. There, he found a ship that took him home, where he joined the church and began studying to be a priest.

Later, Patrick returned to Ireland to bring Christianity to the Irish. It was said that he used the shamrock as an example of the Christian trinity, which is how that flower became associated with the holiday. Because of his work with the Irish, he was later made a saint in the church.

Originally, Saint Patrick was associated with the color blue, but because of his use of the shamrock, people began wearing it and green ribbons on Saint Patrick’s Day. Eventually, green became the main color of this holiday.

Oddly enough, the first recorded Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was not held in Ireland. Instead, the Irish Society of Boston held the first parade in March of 1737. A parade for the holiday wouldn’t be held in Ireland until 1931.

How will you celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day this year? Have a green beer? Eat some green eggs and ham? Or go around pinching everyone who isn’t wearing green?

2011-03-07T01:32:00.001-06:00

Facebook is Fun AND Can Save You Money – Learn How!

Facebook has become incredibly popular in the last few years, and just about everyone knows what it is, even if they don’t have a profile. In case you’re one of the few who hasn’t heard of this social media phenomenon, Facebook is a website that connects you with others. It started out as a way for college students to keep in touch. In fact colleges actually had to sign up for their students to join, and you had to have a valid college email address. Today, Facebook is open to everyone, and it’s huge.

There’s more to Facebook than just posting on someone’s wall (kind of a like a message board where others can respond to what you say or post their own message). You can send private messages, post photos for others to see, and even send online invitations to your friends. Heck, some people have even used Facebook to send out their wedding invitations instead of mailing hard copies!

Then there are the Facebook games. These can be very addictive and a lot of fun. Some of them involve becoming a mayor of a virtual town and trying to grow it into a city, while others involve slaying dragons and battling wizards. Some even require you to get your friends involved and build up a team, like the popular Mafia Wars game.

But what about that “save money” part of the title? Well, you may not see hundreds of dollars suddenly appear in your budget after you create your free (yes, free) Facebook account, but you can save. There are different fan pages for products, services, and even entire companies. We at WildFlower, for example, have our own Facebook fan page. All you need to do is visit it and click on “like.” You’ll start seeing our posts in your news feed. Sometimes, we post links to sites that we thing flower-lovers and gardeners will enjoy. Other times, we post our store specials. Sometimes, that includes discount or promotional codes. That’s where the savings come in! Just watch for these special codes and use them on our website or when you order, and you can save a bundle. It’s not just WildFlower, either—many companies offer their Facebook fans discounts on their products.

Follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/VillageGardens?sk=wall#!/pages/Wildflower-Florist/110690087658

Ways to Make Your Relationship Grow

2011-03-02T01:59:00.000-06:00

When we start a new relationship, be it romantic or platonic, we always go into with the idea that the relationship will grow. After all, we don’t want our relationships to be stuck in that first, somewhat awkward stage where we are getting to know each other. So how can you make your relationship with others grow? Here are a few ideas.

Listen to each other. It may seem like something that needs no repeating, but listening to each other is one of the fundamentals of establishing and cultivating a relationship. You have to really pay attention to what the other person is saying and respond to them. This interaction is the cornerstone of any relationship.

Compromise. You can’t always get your way. Between friends, the compromises are usually small, like letting the other person decide where you go out to eat. Between significant others, it might be something bigger like each of you giving up a vice or learning to do housework.

Every now and then, show them you care. Send flowers, give them a little gift, or just compliment them. Everyone likes to be reminded that they matter to another person, and just a little thing like buying someone lunch or bringing them a breakfast snack can go a long way.

Be kind. This is the best way to really make a relationship grow. Simply help out when someone needs a hand. You don’t always have to buy someone something. Often, just giving of your time (something that has become a very precious resource) is enough.

Making an Impression by Sending Flowers or Plants

2011-02-22T22:42:00.000-06:00

There are many ways to tell someone how much you think of them. Whether it’s a friend, family member, or business associate, making a good impression is important to continuing or expanding your relationship. One great way of making an impression is to send flowers or a plant. This is especially useful in the business world since flowers can be appropriate for co-workers, your boss, or an acquaintance you don’t know well.

Of course, you don’t want to make the wrong impression with your flowers. You do have to put a bit of thought into what flowers or plant you want to send. Roses to a family member or close friend, especially a significant other, can make a great impression, but they might be a bit too personal for a co-worker. For business associates, a nice neutral bouquet of mixed flowers or a green plant to say thank you or welcome will make a good impression without being too much.

Should you ever send a plant over flowers? In some cases, yes. Sending plants to men is sometimes the better way to go because men, on the whole, are more appreciative of green plants than of flowers. A plant is also often seen as a gift that conveys fewer emotions. With flowers, especially flowers like roses, you have to be careful about saying more than you intend, but a green plant can be used to say welcome to the team, thank you, etc., without conveying more.

Making an impression with flowers or plants is very easy as long as you put a little thought into it. Once you’ve selected the perfect gift, you’ll make the perfect impression with your flowers.

The History of Valentine’s Day

2011-02-14T07:39:00.003-06:00

Valentine’s Day is here! Maybe you’re celebrating with a loved one, beginning a new relationship, or just treating it like another Monday, you can’t ignore the fact that today is a holiday celebrated by many. But where did Valentine’s Day come from? Here’s a look at the history of the day devoted to love.

Much of the story surrounding Valentine’s Day and St. Valentine himself is lost, but we do know that the day combines both Christian and old Roman traditions. Getting to the heart (pardon the pun) of the Christian story of St. Valentine, however, is made difficult by the fact that there are three St. Valentine’s on the official list of martyred saints.

One of these stories follows a priest who lived in Rome during the third century. Emperor Claudius II, the ruler at the time, decided that single men would make better soldiers than married men because they would have no families to return to. Thus, he thought it would be a great idea to outlaw marriage for men under a certain age. Valentine, however, saw the injustice of this and went ahead and married young couples in secret. When this was discovered, Claudius had him executed.

Another legend concerns Valentine (perhaps not a priest?) and a young girl. Valentine was serving a prison sentence when he met a young girl, perhaps the daughter of his jailor. He fell in love with her, and before his death, he sent her a short letter signed “from your Valentine.” This means that St. Valentine might have sent the very first valentine card himself.

On the pagan, Roman side of things, the middle of February was celebrated as a festival called Lupercalia. This fertility festival was decided to Faunus, the god of agriculture, and to Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. It involved greeting the coming spring by ritually cleaning houses and performing a number of purification rituals. One part of the ritual involved slapping women with strips made from a goat’s hide in an effort to make them more fertile!

However, another part of the festival is closer to our traditional Valentine’s Day. The young women of the town would all place their names in a giant urn, and then the young men would draw out a name (kind of like getting a mystery Valentine). The two were then paired up for a year, and many times, these pairing led to marriage. Pope Gelasius later declared February 14 as St. Valentine’s Day as a way of Christianizing these rituals. Shortly thereafter, the church outlawed the lottery system of pairing up, although that didn’t stop couples from getting together on Valentine’s Day.

It wasn’t until the Middle Ages, though, that people really started spreading the romance on Valentine’s Day. Many say that it was Charles, the Duke of Orleans, who sent the first valentine to his wife in 1415. Following the Battle of Agincourt, the duke was imprisoned in the Tower of London, and wanted to reassure his wife that he was still alive. A few years later, King Henry V send a valentine to Catherine of Valois, although the king hired someone to write it for him (probably not a good idea!).

In the U.K., people continued to exchange gifts or notes on Valentine’s Day, and towards the end of the eighteenth century, printed cards began to appear. These Valentine’s Day traditions came to the U.S. in the 1700s, where they were virtually unchanged. During the 1840s, a woman named Esther A. Howland created the first mass-produced valentines, cementing the holiday in place. Today, more than a billion cards are sent on Valentine’s Day. Will you send a valentine this year?

The History of Valentine’s Day

2011-02-14T07:39:00.001-06:00

Say I Love You With Flowers

2011-02-11T06:46:00.001-06:00

There are many different ways to tell someone you love them, but one of the most popular is to say it with flowers. From a single red rose to a full bouquet of two or three dozen, flowers convey a powerful message.

One of the most important aspects of saying that you love her with flowers is to use the right flowers. One factor to consider here is how long you’ve been dating. If this is your first date or one of your first, don’t go overboard. A single red rose is appropriate here. If you’ve been dating for a year or more, a bouquet of a dozen is probably the better route.

Another question is whether you give her the flowers in person or have them delivered. Since Valentine’s Day is on Monday this year, having them delivered is a great way of showing her co-workers how much you love her. Hearing a knock on the door and opening it to find a deliveryman holding a bouquet is also nice. However, if you’re giving her a single rose or a small bouquet, giving it to her in person may be the better way to go.

Any flowers will convey your love, but to really show her how much you care, make sure the flowers you send her are very personal to her. For example, if she hates roses, don’t give her roses. If you know she loves the color purple, see if you can get purple flowers (there are purple roses, for example). Whatever you do, go with something that you know she will like. Doing so shows her that you know her preferences.

How Do You Say I Love You?

2011-02-08T23:51:00.000-06:00

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and people everywhere are gearing up for the most romantic day of the year. One thing you’ll be hearing a lot this weekend and on Monday the 14th is “I love you.” Many people will be saying it, but there’s more to it than just speaking those three words. How do you say “I love you” in a way that really conveys your feelings?

Naturally, one way to say it is with flowers. A single red rose, a bouquet of a dozen roses, or even a huge arrangement of two dozen roses is a great way of telling someone how special they are to you. Red roses mean love, but you can always mix in some white roses or even give her pink or purple roses if that’s her favorite color.

A gift is another way of saying “I love you.” This can be something small for a new relationship—a stuffed animal or a box of chocolates is acceptable. If you’re married or in a long-term, serious relationship, you might want to think about jewelry. Rings aren’t usually given on Valentine’s Day unless it’s an engagement ring. Instead, go with a bracelet, necklace, or earrings. All three make for great gifts that tell her you truly love her.

These two suggestions—flowers and gifts—all involve giving something. But you don’t have to give something to show your special someone how much you love them. Cooking them dinner is one way of doing it. Another is putting a lot of planning into the evening. Go somewhere really special, such as the restaurant where you had your first date. Or do something extravagant, such as taking her to a bed and breakfast or going out of town. You can also do something really fun that also expresses your love, such as putting together a Valentine’s Day scavenger hunt.

No matter what you do or give, as long as it’s something special that has meaning between the two of you, it will convey how much you love your partner.

Ideas to Make Valentine Magic

2011-02-02T00:53:00.003-06:00

Valentine’s Day is approaching, and it’s time to start making your romantic plans. Everyone wants to have the perfect Valentine’s Day, and to do that, you need to capture the magic surrounding the day. But how to you make Valentine magic? Here are a few ideas.

Stay in and cook dinner. Many people go out on Valentine’s Day, but there are always crowds. No matter where you eat, it’s sure to be packed. So why not avoid all of that? Stay home, cook a nice meal (either for your special someone or with them—make it an activity), and enjoy having the evening all to yourself.

If you do go out, have everything planned in advance so nothing goes wrong. Have your reservations made, your tickets bought, and everything else ready. Also, be sure to leave on time or a bit early to make dinner. Sometimes, making Valentine’s magic is all about everything going off as planned.

Finally, make sure to take care of all the little details. Buy new candles to light. Make sure the house is cleaned up. Scatter rose petals on the bed. Take care of all of these little things to guarantee you have a little extra magic in your romantic evening.

Ideas to Make Valentine Magic

2011-02-02T00:53:00.001-06:00

Ideas for a Romantic Evening

2011-01-26T03:34:00.000-06:00

It’s almost February. You know what that means—Valentine’s Day is almost here! If you need some great ideas for a romantic evening, read on!

Dinner – it may seem simplistic and cliché, but having a romantic dinner is one of the best ways to spend an evening with your significant other. It offers many things. First of all, it guarantees at least an hour to an hour and a half of date time. Second, unlike many events, you and your date get to talk to each other. Third, it gives you the chance to shine if you’re the one making the plans. You can pick out a great restaurant or even cook an incredible meal.

Spend an evening at home – this is especially nice for those of you who are always on the go. Simply create a romantic evening at home. Order in (don’t stress yourself by cooking), open a bottle of wine, pop in a movie, and just relax together. If you really want to crank up the romance, after the movie, take a long bubble bath together.

A walk in the park might sound like a chilly evening, but, if the weather permits, it can be a nice way of getting out and enjoying the night. After a stroll, head over to a coffee place to warm up and talk.

If you and your significant other have been together for a long period of time, re-create your first date. Go back to the same restaurant, watch the same movie (although you may have to watch it on DVD instead of in the theater), or do similar events. This can be a fun way of remembering how you got to know each other while creating new memories.

Stay overnight at a bed and breakfast or nice hotel. Sometimes, a change of setting can turn a normal evening into a romantic one. Staying overnight somewhere lends an air of newness to your evening, plus you don’t have to worry about cleaning up or anything like that. You also don’t have to worry about phone calls (and please, turn off the cells!).

Change the Mood with Flowers

2011-01-19T04:41:00.000-06:00

Feeling down? Maybe the winter weather has you depressed, or maybe it’s something else. Maybe you want to create a romantic atmosphere but just aren’t certain how. One easy way of changing the mood (of both yourself and your home) is by getting a nice arrangement of flowers.

Flowers can, as many people have pointed out before, change your mood from sad or depressed to happy. Just seeing flowers, being reminded of why they’re there (as in being reminded of who sent them to us), and smelling them can help change our moods. This is more than just superstition, too—scientists have done studies on the connection between people, flowers, and emotions.

However, flowers can change moods in other ways, too. Take a date, for example. Giving her a long stemmed red rose at the start of a date might change her mood from mildly interested to really interested. The reason rose petals are often shown being scattered on the bed in romantic movies is because roses help set a romantic mood.

Daisies can change the mood of anyone in a room by making it seem much brighter and cheerier. These and other bright flowers can change the mood and atmosphere of an entire room. Likewise, adding flowers to a guest bedroom can make it seem more inviting and welcoming to those who are staying overnight.

Next time you want to change the mood of a room or even of your entire house, don’t forget to involve flowers in your plans. They can work with colors and other decorations to greatly enhance the mood of any area.

How to Make Someone’s Day

2011-01-12T01:40:00.001-06:00

We feel good when we make someone else feel good. Making someone’s day can also make our day, but how exactly do we go about doing this? There are a number of ways you can make someone’s day.

One simple way is to be kind. Believe it or not, simply being nice to someone is a rarity some days. Saying good morning to someone, smiling at them, or giving them a hand when they need it is often enough to turn someone’s day around. A kind word is all it takes sometimes.

Volunteering to take on a task can be another way to make someone’s day. Sometimes, a single person in a company is given a large task. If you have the time, offering to help with the task can really make a person’s day. Even taking a small task off of their plate can be enough to relieve a lot of stress.

Another way to make someone’s day is to let them know that you appreciate something they’ve done for you. Give them a gift, send them flowers, or take them out to lunch. Even a simple “thank you” may be enough, although if they did a large favor for you, you should think about showing your appreciation with a gesture of some sort. Letting someone know that you really do recognize and appreciate their help can really make their day.

Want to really make someone’s day? While the things above are sure to do it, there’s one way to really show someone that they mean a lot to you. Show them you’re thinking of them by doing something nice for no reason. Nothing makes someone’s day more than having a bright bouquet of flowers delivered to their doorstep or office with a card that says something like, “just thinking of you.” Bring coffee to your co-workers. Surprise your significant other with lunch. All of these things are great ways to make someone’s day. All you have to do is be kind and you are sure to make someone’s day.

Why Flowers Make You Happy

2011-01-05T01:09:00.001-06:00

Flowers do a lot for us, but one of the most important things they do is make us happy. The effect flowers have on people has been well documented, and there have even been some scientific studies and surveys done on the effects of flowers. Why do flowers make us happy, though? Well, there are several reasons.

One thing is their bright color. Bright flowers can really bring a splash of color into just about any room. If your office seems drab and dark, just bring in some bright flowers and you’ll find yourself happier than ever. Need to make your guest room a little more cheerful for your parents? Put a bouquet of daisies on the nightstand.

The scent of flowers can also make us happy. Even though flowers may not function as well as potpourri or air fresheners when it comes to removing bad smells from the air, they do a great job of bringing just a hint of scent to rooms. Of course, putting your face to them makes your nose explode with fragrance.

Another way flowers make us happy is by reminding us of the person who gave them to us. Just seeing that bright, cheery bouquet of flowers on the desk or kitchen table makes us think of the one who sent them. Stimulating our memory is perhaps the way flowers make us happiest. It’s always nice to know that someone is thinking of us, and seeing flowers someone sent us is a great reminder of this.

New Year Party Ideas

2010-12-29T01:53:00.000-06:00

Need an idea for a great New Year’s Eve party? Well, if you’re stumped, here are some ways of ringing in 2011.

Have friends over for a game night. Game night can be different things to different people. For some, it might mean an evening of Trivia Pursuit or card games. For others, it might mean Rock Band or Guitar Hero. Still other friends might bring get together with their laptops to play online games. No matter what game night means to you, it makes for a fun New Year’s party idea that doesn’t mean a lot of expense or going out in the cold. Throw in some pizza and snacks and you’ve got a good way of beginning the new year.

Alternatively, plan a movie night. You might have friends over and watch movies you own, or you might go out. Some theaters even have New Year’s movie schedules where you get several movies or a movie and snacks for a special price. Of course, be sure to schedule your movies (or pause) at midnight to watch a countdown and mark the beginning of 2011.

Some people celebrate New Year’s by having a drink or two. While this is a perfectly acceptable way to celebrate, be sure to drink responsibly if this is your plan. Have a designated driver if you’re going out, and if you’re staying in, don’t drive until the alcohol has worn off.

There are many ways to celebrate New Year’s. Whether you go out, stay in, have others over, or do something on your own, be sure to ring in the new year in a positive and fun way!

Christmas Events in Houston Updated

2010-12-16T02:56:00.001-06:00

Christmas is almost here, but there’s still plenty of time to get out and engage in some of the great holiday events in Houston. Here are just a few of them.

One Christmas tradition is seeing the Nutcracker ballet. While some people prefer to watch the ballet on TV, there really is nothing like seeing it performed live. The ballet will be performed by Houston Ballet this holiday season, and one shouldn’t miss it. Another show you may want to take in is a live performance of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ popular tale of Scrooge and the three ghosts of Christmas.

Another thing you don’t want to miss is ice skating outside at Discovery Green. While some places have indoor skating areas during the Christmas season, skating outdoors is much more fun. If you like indoor skating, though, you can always visit the Ice Galleria Skating Rink.

If you enjoy seeing holiday displays, go driving around Houston. Load the family up in the car, pack some snacks, and crank up the Christmas carols on the radio. There are many great festival displays in the area. If you want to do a little walking, you might want to take the Heritage Society’s Candlelight Tour. While you will have to walk in the cold instead of riding in the warm car, it’s certainly worth it. The tour features some of Houston’s oldest buildings decorated in the traditional 19th century holiday décor, plus there’s live music and Santa!

The Moody Gardens in nearby Galveston also provides a great place to look at holiday decorations. The entire garden is light up with different festive scenes. After taking the tour, you can relax at the Garden Restaurant and enjoy their Festival of Lights buffet.

The events listed above will be going on all month, but there are some events with specific days and times:

The Express Children’s Theatre production of Frosty the Snowman: December 22.

A.D. Player’s production of The Littlest Angel: every Wed. through Sun. until Dec. 23.

Alley Theatre’s The Santaland Diaries: every weekday except Monday until Dec. 31.

A Christmas Story party and feast with Peter Billingsley at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Dec. 21 at 7:30.

Another Location!

2010-12-14T09:30:00.004-06:00

Wildflower Florist has a big announcement! We have recently acquired The Flower Corner, a flower shop located in the Houston Medical Center. As part of the Wildflower family, The Flower Corner will offer everything you’ve come to expect from Wildflower: an amazing selection of great flowers, friendly service, and a dedication to delivering the best flower arrangements possible.

The Flower Corner has been serving the flower needs of the Houston Medical Center for 20 years. The center is the largest medical center in the world and offers patient care, translational research, and basic science research. The center contains 49 different institutions, including 13 hospitals, two specialty treatment centers, two medical schools, four nursing schools, a dentistry school, a pharmacy school, and a public health school. The center takes up more space than downtown Dallas! Recent additions include the Memorial Hermann Heart & Vascular Institute, the Baylor Clinic, and the Cancer Prevention Center.

With more than five million annual patient visits, there is a high demand for flowers at the Houston Medical Center. Wildflower is excited to be able to meet this demand through The Flower Corner. Because of the history attached to the name, The Flower Corner will still be called The Flower Corner. We are thrilled to have this opportunity to bring the joy of flowers to everyone at the Houston Medical Center.

See our online selection of flowers at .www.FlowerCornerHouston.com

Buying Holiday Gifts Online

2010-12-08T00:43:00.000-06:00

Some people like to get out and shop. They enjoy walking through the mall and browsing through various stores. To them, the shopping experience is a part of the holidays, and they wouldn’t skip it for anything. Others, however, have decided the hustle and bustle of the holidays just isn’t for them, and they’ve started buying their holiday gifts online.

It’s not difficult to buy holiday gifts online. All you need is an internet connect and a credit or debit card. Actually, you don’t even need plastic—you can use your checking account to purchase items from many online businesses.

There are many advantages to shopping online, but many people want to know about the bottom line: is shopping online a better deal than braving the cold and the crowds? After all, you do have to pay for shipping. The good news is that online stores rarely charge more for items than their physical counterparts. In fact, online stores are often cheaper. The reason for this is that they don’t have as much overhead or operating expenses. They don’t have to pay to have their inventory transported from warehouses to stores, for example. They don’t have to employ as many people, and they don’t have to pay utility expenses for all of their physical stores. This means they can charge less per item and still make a profit.

What about shipping costs? Well, yes, you do have to pay for shipping in some cases. However, many stores have specials where they offer free shipping if you purchase a specific amount of products. Amazon, for example, gives free shipping on orders over $25. If you plan on purchasing a lot of gifts from the same store, check their shipping costs first. Just like shopping in physical stores, it never hurts to shop around to see who has the best deals. Also remember that shopping online early will save you on costs—if you want until the last minute, you will have to pay for the expensive express shipping or risk not having your gifts in time for the holidays.

So is it cheaper to shop online? The answer is that is often depends. Sometimes, you can find the same deals in stores, and sometimes you can’t. Shipping is sometimes a factor, but then again, when shopping in physical stores, you have to consider gas costs and taxes (many online purchases aren’t taxed, but some are). Some people don’t mind paying a bit extra to avoid the crowds during the holiday season. If you do a little comparison shopping, order early so you don’t have to pay for expedited shipping, and are comfortable using the internet to make purchases, buying your holiday gifts online can be a great way to do your shopping.

Christmas Events in Houston

2010-12-01T05:53:00.000-06:00

Christmas is coming! But what is there to do in the Houston area to celebrate (or just to get out of the house)? Well, there are a number of different things to do in the area this holiday season.

One Christmas tradition is seeing the Nutcracker ballet. While some people prefer to watch the ballet on TV, there really is nothing like seeing it performed live. The ballet will be performed by Houston Ballet this holiday season, and one shouldn’t miss it. Another show you may want to take in is a live performance of A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens’ popular tale of Scrooge and the three ghosts of Christmas.

Another thing you don’t want to miss is ice skating outside at Discovery Green. While some places have indoor skating areas during the Christmas season, skating outdoors is much more fun. If you like indoor skating, though, you can always visit the Ice Galleria Skating Rink.

If you enjoy seeing holiday displays, go driving around Houston. Load the family up in the car, pack some snacks, and crank up the Christmas carols on the radio. There are many great festival displays in the area. If you want to do a little walking, you might want to take the Heritage Society’s Candlelight Tour. While you will have to walk in the cold instead of riding in the warm car, it’s certainly worth it. The tour features some of Houston’s oldest buildings decorated in the traditional 19th century holiday décor, plus there’s live music and Santa!

The Moody Gardens in nearby Galveston also provides a great place to look at holiday decorations. The entire garden is light up with different festive scenes. After taking the tour, you can relax at the Garden Restaurant and enjoy their Festival of Lights buffet.

These are just a few of the major holiday events happening in the Houston area this Christmas season. While staying home with a cup of hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies is a great way to spend an evening, heading out and enjoying these events can be a great way of getting energized for the holidays.

Hanukkah Activities for the Entire Family

2010-11-29T06:30:00.001-06:00

Hanukkah begins soon, and if your kids are anything like most, they’re very excited for the eight days of the holiday. Hanukkah presents several different opportunities for families to spend some quality time together. Here are a few activities that the entire family can participate in.

The main focus of Hanukkah is on the menorah and the traditions it represents. During Hanukkah, one candle is lit each night during the eight days. Children can get involved by learning the prayers recited over the menorah each day. With help, children can also light a candle. If your kids enjoy arts and crafts, they can create their own menorah out of sculpting clay and make homemade candles out of beeswax or by using candle-making kits. Of course, children should always be supervised when lighting candles.

If you like cooking traditional Hanukkah foods like latkes and donuts, get the entire family involved. While cooking with oil is not an activity for children, they can help prepare the batter, cut out cookies, and decorate desserts.

Kids might also want to make their own Hanukkah cards to give out to their friends and relatives. This is a great way for kids to use their imaginations and art skills, and family members will treasure these created cards so much more than store-bought ones.

Finally, take the time to tell traditional Hanukkah stories, listen to music, and generally get into the spirit of the Festival of Lights. You might even want to go out and enjoy the holiday light displays, many of which are secular and not religious. There are many holidays happening around this time of year, and there’s nothing that says you can’t enjoy a little of what they all have to offer with your family while you celebrate Hanukkah.

Last Minute Thanksgiving Flowers

2010-11-22T23:50:00.001-06:00

Turkey? Check! Cranberries? Yep. Pumpkin Pie? Ready to serve with whipped cream. So what’s left? Oh no! There are no Thanksgiving flowers to put on the table! If you need some last minute thanksgiving flowers, it’s not too late. While you probably don’t want to wait until the day before to go turkey shopping, if you forget your flowers, you might still be able to pick some up.

If you’re shopping for last minute Thanksgiving flowers, there are a few things to be aware of. First of all, your florist, no matter how good they are, may be out of your first choice. Popular arrangements tend to sell out quickly. Cornucopias and large arrangements may already be gone. However, this doesn’t mean your dinner is ruined. Many florists also have a number of smaller arrangements that they can make for Thanksgiving.

Even if your florist is out of some of their advertised arrangements, that doesn’t have to put a damper on your plans. Any good, creative florist can take what flowers they have in stock and create something completely beautiful and amazing. Just tell your florist what you’re looking for, and he or she will work magic. There are many different flowers that work for Thanksgiving, after all. Sunflowers, orange and dark red roses, yellow and orange gerberas, orange lilies, and many other flowers will fit nicely with your Thanksgiving décor. Greenery, acorns, pinecones, and even some gourds and pumpkins can be added if you feel like your arrangement needs a bit of fleshing out. Throw in a few candles, and you’re done!

It’s always advisable to order your Thanksgiving flowers in advance, of course, but even if you don’t, it’s OK. Just be sure to pick them up as soon as possible so you’ve got some options. As always, we have a great selection of Thanksgiving flowers. Browse them now on our website and place your order soon!

Thanksgiving Centerpiece Ideas

2010-11-21T20:46:00.002-06:00

Thanksgiving is almost here, but it’s not too late to put together an amazing centerpiece for your table. While many people think of the turkey as the centerpiece, that’s only during the meal. What goes on your table before the turkey is brought out? That’s where your Thanksgiving centerpiece takes center stage.

There are several different types of centerpieces used for Thanksgiving. The traditional cornucopia is one of them. This “horn of plenty” is usually filled with fruits, but it can be filled with gorgeous fall flowers, too. This is one of the larger Thanksgiving centerpieces, so it’s sure to get plenty of attention. Of course, you’re going to have to move it off the table when it’s time to eat.

If you’d rather have flowers as a centerpiece, you have many different choices. One popular choice is a large floral arrangement with tapers. You can light the candles before, during, or after dinner. The flowers are generally ones in traditional Autumn colors like dark red, yellow, and orange, and often greenery or even nuts are added to the arrangement to fill it out. Again, these large arrangements may have to be moved when it’s turkey time.

There are some smaller fall arrangements that you can use for centerpieces. These arrangements may not have to be moved for dinner, which is one of the reasons many people like them. They may not be as attention grabbing, but that’s OK. Many are simple bouquets in nice vases. You can accent these smaller arrangements with candles, small pumpkins, or even little turkeys or pilgrims.

All of these types of Thanksgiving centerpieces are rather traditional. If you want something a bit different, get creative. If you have children, get them involved. Help them make turkeys out of pine cones by using feathers and construction paper. This helps get your family involved in the holiday, and you can use these little turkeys with just about any floral centerpiece.

How Flowers Can Change How You Feel

2010-11-17T07:51:00.001-06:00

You’re having a horrible day. Everything seems to be doing wrong. Maybe you woke up feeling unwell, but not unwell enough to justify staying home from work. Then you got to work and spilled coffee on yourself. Your workload has tripled because someone dropped the ball on a project. You’ve got a deadline that seems impossible to meet. Then there’s a knock on your office door. It’s a florist delivering an amazing bouquet of flowers from your significant other with a card telling you how amazing you are. Suddenly, your entire day seems so much better. Isn’t it amazing how flowers can change how you feel?

How is this possible? Well, there have actually been a few studies done that show flowers can pull up old memories or affect those areas of the brain that make us feel good. It could be the scent, the sight of flowers, the memories they invoke…no one is quite sure. What is certain is that flowers affect our feelings.

Next time you’re feeling down, follow the old saying and stop and smell some roses (or daisies, or lilies, or whatever flower you enjoy). While you may not have someone sending you flowers every time you have a horrible day, you can still find some gorgeous blooms to enjoy. So take advantage of what flowers can do for you and turn those bad days around with flowers.

Using Autumn Colors in Your Home

2010-11-10T04:29:00.000-06:00

Many people like to use autumn colors in their homes because they are strong, bold colors. Autumn colors typically include dark red, dark yellow, browns, oranges, and even some dark greens. These colors do tend to create darker rooms when used overwhelmingly, but when used to add just a touch of color here and there, they can make a room look great.

If you’re thinking about adding autumn colors to your home, here are some things to consider before making any purchases:

Choose a basic color scheme to use throughout your entire house. This will give you a unified theme for your home and make it easier to pick out different items.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match a bit. If you pick red and yellow as your color scheme, that doesn’t mean you can’t throw in a bit of orange or green here and there.

Go for a variety of items. Colored candles, towels, throw pillows, picture frames, and other items can be placed around a room to bring in your autumn colors. Having different items also means that there’s not one thing screaming “I’m a fall color!”

Pick reusable items. Tablecloths, pillows, throw blankets, small rugs, and other items can be stored during other seasons and used again once autumn returns. Also look for items that you can use in your home décor at other times of the year.

Of course, fall flowers are a great addition to any autumn color scheme, and they also bring in that great autumn scent. After the flowers bloom and wilt, you can even dry them and create a great fall potpourri mixture.

Relax with Flowers

2010-11-03T04:59:00.002-05:00

Finding time to relax can be difficult in today’s society. It seems like we’re always on the go. For many, work is no longer limited to 40 hours a week—we work overtime (often for free), we bring work home with us, and we’re always thinking about some project or other. Families also take up a lot more time. We have to get our kids to various school and club functions, make sure all the bills get paid, keep the house clean…the list goes on and on. With all of this, how can you possibly find time to relax? Well, you may not be able to take a nice vacation to de-stress, but you can relax with flowers.

Flowers are very relaxing for a number of reasons. Their bright, cheery colors are often all that’s needed to turn a drab room into a happy one. Seeing these colors can help turn your day around. The scent is also a factor. The phrase “stop and smell the roses” exists for a reason. Scent is one of the most powerful senses, and it can often trigger memories and thoughts out of the ordinary. Next time you feel stressed, take the time to smell some flowers. You may find your muscles unknotting and your tension melting away.

Putting a nice arrangement of flowers on your desk or in your office at work is a good way of bringing a little relaxation into what could be a very stressful atmosphere. Just by placing the flowers there and taking the time to look at them now and then will help you stay relaxed.

No matter how you use flowers to relax, remember to take time out to enjoy them. Flowers are a great way of relaxing, and it’s important to keep stress away during the holiday season.

Halloween Celebrations in Houston

2010-10-27T02:59:00.001-05:00

There’s a lot going on this Halloween in Houston. Here are just a few of the cool events.

In Kemah, you can take an awesome Pirate Dinner Cruise. It includes a murder mystery theater featuring pirates taking over your ship! Dinner is included, and there will be a dance following the mystery. It will be held on the 30th from 5:00 to 7:00 and from 8:00 to 10:00. Tickets are $79 each, and you may want to call and make reservations in advance.

The Houston Zoo will be hosting Zoo Boo this weekend. Kids will get to pick and paint their own pumpkin from the zoo’s pumpkin patch, do some trick-or-treating, and much more. Admission is included with regular zoo admission.

Scream on the Green is a Halloween party taking place at Discovery Green. Costume contests for kids and adults will be held, plus there will be live entertainment, face painting, fortune tellers, treats, and a dance. The event will be held on Saturday from 6:00 to 10:00.

Finally, if you want something a bit more relaxing, you can catch a viewing of the movie Monsters vs. Aliens at the Miller Outdoor Theater. The event also includes a costume contest. It starts at 6:30 and ends at 9:30.

Don't forget there's still time to order great Halloween flowers from Wildflower!

Decorating with House Plants

2010-10-20T03:17:00.001-05:00

Some people like to decorate their house with fresh flowers. They love adding the bright yellows, blues, pinks, whites, and other colors to each room. There are, however, a few problems with this. First, fresh flowers are often very interesting to pets, but some of them are quite deadly to cats and dogs. Another issue is that vases are easy for young children to knock over. Then there’s the cost involved. While fresh flowers are certainly beautiful, it can become expensive to purchase new flowers on a regular basis. If you’re looking for a way of decorating with something living but without these drawbacks, thing about decorating with house plants.

There are a number of ways you can decorate with house plants. For starters, you can put a nice plant on a corner table. This leaves your beautiful green plant out of the way, but it still brings in all the life and energy associated with plants. It also makes it less likely to get knocked over by rambunctious children or pets. You can also set a pot of flowing ivy on a high book shelf or on top of an entertainment center. The ivy will drape down the side and look very nice. The only downside to this is that you may have to stand on a stepstool or chair to water the ivy.

You can also add a potted plant to your table or bar as a centerpiece. Like using flowers as a centerpiece, you can then add a few little holiday extras like snowmen, pumpkins, or little eggs to make it festive. Green plants are a good way to bring some color to your office, too. They’re a nice way of adding a personal touch to a workspace without being too personal or adding too much.

Bosses and Our Careers

2010-10-13T03:40:00.001-05:00

One of the major factors in how our careers go is our boss. Having a great boss can really mean the difference between advancing your career and getting stuck. There are several reasons for this:

Our bosses are the main people responsible for our performance evaluation.

We often turn to our bosses for a letter of recommendation for a new job.

Our bosses recommend us for promotion within our department and may even recommend us for open positions within the company. In some cases, they make the final decision on a promotion.

Our bosses control what assignments we get. If a boss doesn’t believe an employee can handle difficult tasks, that employee will not be given them. How does this affect a career? An employee who has only been given menial tasks won’t have as much experience to put on a resume.

Good bosses help employees develop necessary skills such as teamwork, time management, and more. They may recommend employees attend computer training sessions to learn new software or even take supplemental college courses. By helping employees reach their full potential, a good boss is insuring that they will go far in their careers.

Flowers and Poetry

2010-10-06T01:01:00.002-05:00

Flowers and poetry—two things that always seem to go together in the romantic’s mind. But why?

One of the major subjects of poetry is beauty, and we find flowers to be incredibly beautiful. “A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet” wrote William Shakespeare, telling us that beauty shines through no matter what. Gertrude Stein wrote, “Rose is a rose is a rose is a rose” in her poem Sacred Emily, reminding us again that the true nature of something is always present. A rose is always a rose.

There are many other poems about flowers, of course. However, you don’t have to search for flower-related poems when thinking about flowers and poetry. If you really want to impress your significant other, a great romantic poem accompanied by a bouquet of flowers is one sure way to do it. Think about reciting Shakespeare while handing her a single red rose. How romantic would that be? If you know she loves a particular poet, find a great love poem by him or her and quote it during a special moment. You might even be able to use a poem as an outline for an entire date.

No matter how you combine flowers and poetry, both have incredible romantic potential. Use them to their fullest and you’ll add something incredibly special to your date.

Fall Scenic Drives Near Houston

2010-09-29T00:33:00.001-05:00

Fall is a nice time to take a scenic drive near Houston. There are several great places to check out the amazing fall foliage. Here are a couple of them.

Hope on FM 1375 towards Austin and you’ll see some great trees and ferns at Sam Houston National Forest. These trees will look great during the fall as their leaves turn from the bright green of summer to the beautiful red, orange, and yellow of autumn.

Another nice scenic drive also goes towards Austin. If you get on 2222 West, you’ll get to pass through a number of different hilly areas that are very pretty this time of year. You might also want to take highway 290, depending on where you live in Houston and how fast you want to go.

Gift Baskets Make Great Gifts

2010-09-22T01:07:00.000-05:00

There are times when flowers just don’t seem appropriate. Maybe it’s the circumstances. Maybe it’s the person. Whatever it is, you just know a bright bouquet of flowers won’t be quite right. Oh, the recipient will thank you for them, but you know he or she is just being polite. If flowers aren’t quite right, what can you send instead? How about a great gift basket?

Gift baskets can include a wide variety of things. Most feature food. You’ll find gift baskets full of gourmet fruits such as apples, oranges, and bananas for those who eat healthily. On the other hand, there are baskets for those who love candy and chocolate. Some include peanuts and other salty snacks. There are themed gift baskets, too. A gift basket for a baseball lover might include popcorn, candy, and a baseball. Some are themed for certain holidays, such as an Easter gift basket full of candy eggs, a stuffed bunny toy, and jelly beans.

Who might want a gift basket? Well, there are many different people. Some people are actually allergic to flowers, so gift baskets are perfect for them. Men often prefer gift baskets over flowers because flowers aren’t seen as being a very manly gift. Kids might like gift baskets full of candy and cute stuffed animals over flowers as well. You may also want to send a gift basket instead of flowers to a co-worker or work associate since gift baskets are seen as more of a neutral gift (some flowers have romantic connotations).

Gift baskets are no more expensive than flowers, and they are available anywhere. If you’re not sure if flowers would be appropriate, send a gift basket. Everyone loves fruit, candy, and the other treats you can include in gift baskets.

The Art of Giving

2010-09-15T01:35:00.001-05:00

Everyone likes to give gifts. It makes us feel good to know we’ve made someone’s day a little brighter, and it helps cement our relationships. But giving gifts isn’t a science, and it isn’t always easy. Here are some tips you can use to master the art of giving.

Know what the recipient will like. This is the trickiest part of gift giving. What if you get them a gift they hate or won’t use? No one wants that. While the recipient will (hopefully) be polite enough to pretend to like the gift, you’ll be able to tell from their initial reaction that they don’t really want it. If you’re buying for a close friend or relative, chances are you have an idea of their interests and likes. If you’re buying for a co-worker or someone you don’t know that well, you may be at a loss. In this case, gift cards may be acceptable. You can also ask people who know the recipient better for ideas.

Know all pertinent information about the recipient. If you’re buying clothing, for example, you need to know what size to get. Knowing the person’s favorite color may also help in deciding on a gift.

Know where to shop. Once you’ve got that perfect gift in mind, you’ve got to know where to find it. Sometimes this is as simple as walking in to a local department store and buying it. Other times, however, it can be difficult, especially if you’re looking for a popular item (remember how crazy people went over that Tickle Me Elmo doll years ago?). Thanks to the internet, however, you can often find the gift you want online. Yes, you do have to pay shipping, but often the gift actually costs less than it would in the store, so you end up saving money.

Know how much time you have to shop. You don’t want to wait until the last minute to start your gift search. If you know you’re not going to have a lot of time to do your shopping, start as early as you can. You don’t have to hit every store on the same day, either. Internet shopping can also save you a lot of time since you won’t have to drive to each store or search for what you’re looking for.

These tips will help you perfect your skill at the art of giving and may even help reduce your stress while shopping.

Why Grandparents Are So Cool!

2010-09-08T04:37:00.001-05:00

Grandparents often seem much cooler than parents. Much of this has to do with the fact that they often spoil us. After all, they don’t have to deal with us every day, so they feel a little freer in giving us treats, toys, and letting us do what we want. However, there are several other reasons why grandparents are so cool.

One of the things that makes grandparents so cool is that they often have awesome stories. They’ve been around for decades, and they have lived through a lot. Some of them fought in different wars, some have been overseas and to many fascinating places, and some simply have interesting tales to tell.

Another thing about grandparents is that their homes are full of memories. Grandparents often host family gatherings and holiday meals, and it’s at these gatherings that we make many great memories. These memories stick with us for the rest of our lives. Who doesn’t have special memories of a family Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner at their grandparents’ home?

Finally, another reason grandparents are so cool is that they are always there for us in our times of need. Whether it’s just to offer us comfort, to give us a place to live during hard times, or to help out financially, grandparents are always there when we need them.

Remember to show your grandparents how much you appreciate them on September 12, National Grandparents Day.

Labor Day Events in Houston

2010-09-01T00:49:00.001-05:00

There’s always a lot to do on Labor Day. As the first weekend in September, the heat wave of the summer has usually broken, and we can actually get outside without melting. If you’re looking for something to do in Houston this Labor Day weekend, here are some ideas.

The Houston Labor Day Classic is a weekend-long event featuring Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M. The two go at it on Sunday at Reliant Stadium, but the festivities actually start on Thursday with a mixer at the Spot Lounge, followed by pool parties, casino nights, and more.

Another event is the Labor Day Redfish Raft-Up. On Sunday, participants can cruise around Galveston Bay on the Star Gazer yacht while enjoying great barbecue, wine, and champagne. It costs $89, but you get four and a half hours of fun, including live music.

For a little less ($35 for lawn tickets), you can hear singer John Mayer perform at the Woodlands Pavilion. His concert is Sunday and begins at 7:00 p.m.

The football season gets underway on Labor Day weekend. If you’re a fan of the different teams, head over to the Kemah Boardwalk this weekend to meet players, cheerleaders, and Toro the mascot. In addition to autographs and photo opportunities, there will be games and prizes.

Finally, something a little different: Labor Day is also the Free Day of Yoga. It doesn’t matter if you’re an expert or a beginner, you can visit one of more than 50 different yoga studios in the Houston area and take a free class. The events begin with a demonstration held at Discovery Green Park at 8:30 a.m. A list of participating studios can be found at http://www.fdoyhouston.com/.

Squeeze in a Few More Weeks of Summer Fun in Houston

2010-08-24T19:24:00.000-05:00

Summer is almost over, but there are still a few more weeks to have a little fun. In fact, there’s still a lot to do in Houston in August. Here are just a few events and things to do.

Visit Moody Gardens. There’s always something to do at the beautiful gardens. Currently, there’s a special exhibit running through September called “Forgotten Gateway: Coming to America Through Galveston Island.”

For museum lovers, how about visiting the Contemporary Arts Museum of Houston or the Houston Museum of Natural Science? Both feature some very interesting permanent and visiting exhibits, and admission is fairly cheap. There are even some exhibits that children will find interesting.

Of course, for a day outdoors with the kids, nothing beats the Houston Zoo. There are many different animals featured at the zoo, but through September, the zoo is hosting some very unusual creatures…Dinosaurs! Kids will love meeting the ten animatronic dinosaurs featured in the exhibit up close and personal.

After you visit the past at the zoo, you can blast off to the future at the Space Center Houston. Family members of all ages will enjoy the usual space center activities, but science fiction fans will find the center especially amazing right now. That’s because they are currently hosting a special Star Wars: The Clone Wars exhibit that features blaster training, battle droid adventures, and much more.

Finally, the Back to School Bash at the Children’s Museum of Houston takes place the last week of August (the 22nd through the 28th). There are many different activities kids can engage in, including creating a clothing line out of recycled materials and more.

No matter what you choose to do, make the most out of these last few weeks of summer. If nothing else, at least head outdoors and take a walk around the local park or even your neighborhood. Enjoy the sunshine!

Roses Are Perfect For…

2010-08-18T02:06:00.002-05:00

There’s a reason roses are known as one of the most popular flowers around. They seem to be the perfect flower for many different situations. Here are just a few of the things that roses are perfect for:

Roses are perfect for…romance! Nothing says “I love you” like the rose, especially the red rose. If you want to show your significant other you care, you can’t go wrong with roses.

Roses are perfect for…anniversaries! Again, reminding your spouse how much you love them is easily done with roses.

Roses are perfect for…Valentine’s Day! Men often find themselves looking for a great Valentine’s Day gift, and roses are certainly traditional. Of course, pairing the flowers with candy or a cute stuffed toy makes the gift even more special.

Roses are perfect for…saying you’re sorry. When you need to apologize and truly show you mean it, go for a bouquet of a dozen red roses.

Finally, roses are perfect for…anything! There really isn’t an occasion when roses aren’t appropriate. From a single red rose on a first date to a dozen on her birthday, roses are always welcome.

Green and Flowering Indoor Plant Care

2010-08-11T08:45:00.001-05:00

Do you love growing plants and flowers but just don’t have the space outdoors? Or maybe you want to bring some of these gorgeous plants indoors to help liven up your home. Either way, growing indoor plants isn’t too difficult if you follow some basic guidelines. Of course, these tips may not apply to all plants and flowers—some have very special needs.

Be careful that you don’t water your plants with treated water. City water contains chemicals such as fluoride that are helpful to us but harmful to plants. While treated water may not necessarily kill an indoor flower, it’s not going to help it, either. To make certain your plants are getting the best water for them, use bottled water or leave water in an open container for 24 hours to allow the chemicals to evaporate.

While it’s important to keep your plants and flowers watered, it’s also important to keep from over watering them. In fact, over watering is the cause of many houseplant deaths. If the soil is still moist, don’t add any more water. Some people get into the habit of always watering their plants on the same day whether they really need it or not, and this can easily lead to the plants getting more water than necessary.

The temperature is also important. If it gets too hot or too cold, your plants will start to look a little worse for the wear. If you plan on being gone for several days and are going to turn the heat or air off, you may want to take your indoor plants to a neighbor’s or family member’s for safe keeping.

Finally, don’t forget about light. If your plants and flowers aren’t in a place where they can get good light, they won’t do well. If you believe this is the case, slowly move your plant to a better location. If you change the light dramatically, your plant may actually get sunburn. This can be just as bad as not getting enough light.

Celebrating Your Anniversary in Houston

2010-08-03T19:55:00.001-05:00

Celebrating your anniversary in Houston this year? Here are some great ideas for spending your special day in this city, no matter if it’s your first or your fiftieth.

There are some great restaurants to visit. If you love Italian, Dolce Vita is a must. It has a nice, relaxed atmosphere, great wine and cocktails, and some amazing food. If you love pizza, this is the place for you. Note, however, that they don’t take reservations, so get there early. Another great Italian place is Sorrento’s.

For Mexican, El Tiempo is a good choice. They have amazing food and, like Dolce Vita, is casual. El Tiempo’s atmosphere is quite lighthearted, so if you’re looking for something a bit fancier, it may not be exactly right for you. Hugos is also a very good restaurant for Mexican.

If you’re thinking of spending the night somewhere other than your own home (or a hotel), check out Robin’s Nest Bed and Breakfast. It’s located in the Montrose Museum District and is within walking distance of many museums, art galleries, and restaurants. The food served at Robin’s Nest is all organic, and much of it is actually grown right there.

If you don’t like museums and art galleries, you can always visit Bayou Bend, a huge garden full of beautiful flowers. The roses, azaleas, wisteria blossoms, and blue pansies are particularly well-known. Be sure to visit the butterfly garden and see the statues of the Greek goddesses while you’re there.

These are just a few great ideas for celebrating your anniversary in Houston. Of course, there are many other great places and things to do in the city, so take your time and plan out your anniversary events well in advance.

Flower Trends to Try at Home

2010-07-27T21:03:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for ways to add some flowers to your home? Well, there are a number of different ways you can use flowers to add color to any room. Here are some of the newest in floral trends that you can try in your own home.

During the summer heat, you want to use flowers that are hardy and can resist the warmth. Roses, fireweed, peony, and sunflowers are all good choices. They’re also very popular flowers and never go out of style, especially roses. One popular trend with roses is to mix them with candles. A nice vase of roses surrounded by tall candles of a complementary color can look great. Likewise, a small bowl filled with floating candles and small blossoms can look nice.

Sunflowers are a trendy way to add color to your home, especially when you combine them with other colorful plants. Tying a ribbon around the vase or using a very colorful vase is another nice way of adding a touch of brightness to the room.

Another interesting trend in flowers is where you display them. Hanging vases are becoming more and more popular. These vases can take the place of pictures and other wall decorations. All you have to do is make sure there are fresh flowers in the vases so that they continue to look good (although you can always replace them with fake flowers every now and then).

These are just a few of the different trends in flower decorations that you can try at home. Combine several of them and use your own creativity to make your rooms look great.

Saying You’re Sorry With a Flourish

2010-07-20T19:40:00.001-05:00

Saying you’re sorry can be difficult. Some people just don’t like to do it—it’s not in their nature to admit that they’re wrong. However, there are times in everyone’s life when saying sorry is absolutely necessary. Apologizing with a flourish is a good way to say you’re sorry while at the same time showing the person how special they are to you.

One of the best ways to say you’re sorry with a flourish is to say it with flowers. Flowers are always a great touch to everything, including apologizing. Of course, you need to do more than just order any old arrangement. No, you need to pick out an arrangement that compliments the person you are apologizing to. If it’s your significant other, a dozen roses may be exactly the right move. If it’s a friend, a bright arrangement of daisies or tulips may be more appropriate. For a co-worker, a green plant may be the correct move. To really say you’re sorry, you need to put a few minutes of thought into the flower selection.

Once you’ve selected the perfect arrangement, it’s time to present it. Be sure to be sincere—don’t even try to apologize if you’re not sincere and really sorry about it. Add a card to your arrangement that echoes your apology, but say you’re sorry before handing the person your arrangement and card. Don’t let the card do the talking for you—your own voice should deliver the apology.

Top 10 Ingredients for a Great Date

2010-07-13T22:10:00.002-05:00

Everyone wants to have a great date. But how do you guarantee that your date will be amazing? Well, there are 10 ingredients that any great date has. If you’re planning on baking up an amazing date, here are the ingredients you need.

#1 – Do something you both enjoy. If your special someone hates sports, don’t go to a sports game. It won’t end well.

#2 – If it’s an early date (first or second), do something that allows for plenty of talking. You want to get to know each other during these first couple of dates.

#3 – Don’t stress over expense. Dates don’t have to be expensive. A picnic, a walk in the park, or just hanging out at home playing games can make for a good date.

#4 – Don’t be late. It’s never a great way to start a date if you show up even five minutes later than you planned.

#5 – Be a gentleman. Hold the door open, pull out her chair, and offer her your jacket if she’s cold. Show that chivalry isn’t dead and you’ll gain points with her.

#6 – Flowers are always a great way to start off a date. Bring her a nice arrangement and the date will start off right.

#7 – Don’t forget compliments! Say nice things about her, but don’t overdo it. A few well-stated compliments go a long way, but too many just sound fake.

#8 – Dress for the occasion. Don’t wear jeans with holes in them or your favorite ratty old t-shirt, even if it is comfortable.

#9 – Let her know ahead of time if there are any special requirements for the date. If you’re going for a walk in the park, for example, let her know to wear comfortable shoes and not heels.

#10 – Finally, end the date right. Walk her to the door if you’re dropping her off or to her car if you’ve met somewhere. A kiss may be appropriate if all has gone well, but don’t push it if she declines!

Flowers Make People Happy—Really!

2010-07-06T08:00:00.002-05:00

Imagine you’re having a horrible day, or at the very least a very busy day. Your boss is throwing more and more work at you, the information you need to complete these tasks isn’t available, and you have a headache. Suddenly, there’s a knock on your door. It’s a local florist with a huge bouquet of bright, cheery flowers just for you! You feel your stress evaporate as you inhale the fresh scent of the flowers and bask in the feelings of love you get from reading the card. Getting flowers can really make people happy.

Why is this so? Well, some scientists have actually researched this phenomenon and determined that there’s something about getting flowers that releases endorphins that make us feel happy. Those who get flowers feel less agitated and lonely for days, plus their immediate mood changes.

Even without this scientific study, it’s easy to see that flowers make people smile. Getting flowers for any reason—a promotion, a new baby, an anniversary, or just because—will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Decorating your home with fresh flowers makes it inviting, and your guests are sure to enjoy the colors and scents that flowers bring into your home.

Next time you know a friend or family member is feeling down, send them a nice arrangement of flowers. You’ll not only brighten their day, but you’ll also strengthen your relationship with them and make them happy for days. Every time they see the flowers, they’ll think of you and smile.

Fourth of July Texas Style: What’s Happening in Houston

2010-06-30T06:36:00.002-05:00

Looking for something to do this Fourth of July in Houston? Well, there are a number of great fireworks events that are completely free for you and your family. Here are just a few of them.

Freedom Over Texas is Houston’s official Fourth of July event, and it’s always held at Eleanor Tinsley Park. It has the nation’s largest land-based fireworks show, and it’s certainly a sight to behold. In addition to fireworks, visitors are treated to an auto show, beer garden, volleyball tournament, and a concert. Events kick off at 4:00 p.m.

The Houston Symphony will host A Start Spangled Salute at Houston’s Miller Outdoor Theater. The concert will feature many all-American favorites, and it will be followed by a fireworks show.

The Bayou Bend July 4th Celebration is held annually at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. It begins with a live reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1:00. Visitors can enjoy a puppet show, American-themed performances, crafts, and even have the opportunity to sign a huge replica of the Declaration.

Finally, the Woodlands Town Center will be hosting their 13th Annual Fourth of July Celebration. It begins at 9:00 a.m. with a parade and ends with a fireworks show later that night. A number of different cartoon characters will be on hand for kids to take pictures with kids and provide entertainment.

Setting the Perfect Table for an Outdoor Party

2010-06-23T00:09:00.001-05:00

If you’re planning an outdoor party this summer, then you know it’s important to set the perfect table for your guests. Since a good portion of your outdoor party will take place at the table, especially if you’re planning to serve a full meal, you’ll want to make sure it’s set just as well as you would set your indoor dining room table. However, setting an outdoor table isn’t quite the same as dining indoors.

For one thing, you don’t necessarily have a nice cloth tablecloth, crystal goblets, and fine china. Of course, you can use these items outdoors, but many people, especially for an outdoor summer dinner, go with different options. For one, if you have a nice picnic or other type of outdoor table, you may elect not to use any tablecloth at all. If you’re having a cookout, paper plates, plastic silverware, and paper cups may be more appropriate than good dishes. Even if you do use dishes and silverware, you may not use quite as fancy bowls or serving platters as you would inside.

When it comes to decorations, a lot of people use the natural beauty of their back yard and garden to set the theme. You can always move some of your potted plants and flowers up closer to the table, and a few small potted flowers can make great centerpieces. Likewise, hanging paper lanterns over the table and then lighting scented candles can make a nice addition to natural lighting. The scented candles can even help drive bugs and mosquitoes away so you can dine in peace.

Dining outdoors is often seen as more informal than dining indoors, especially if you’re serving food off the grill. Just because it’s informal, however, that doesn’t mean that you should not put some work into setting the perfect table. Just take a few minutes to think of how best to make use of your outdoor setting.

Father's Day Fun in Houston Texas

2010-06-16T09:36:00.001-05:00

With Father’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to plan a trip to Texas for dear ol’ dad. No matter what your father’s interests, you can bet there is a Texas vacation that will put a smile on his face.

Most men think of outdoor activity when considering what to do in Texas. And, Texas offers plenty of outdoor activities to justify that mental image. Fishing is one of the most popular summer activities in Texas. The Lone Star State offers some of the best bass fishing in the nation, with storied lakes like Fork, Toledo Bend, Falcon and Sam Rayburn leading the way. However, there are plenty of other Texas lakes which offer good freshwater fishing for bass and other species, as well as a host of other water sport activities such as skiing, jet skiing, wake boarding, boating, sailing and windsurfing.

Fly fishing has also become extremely popular in Texas over the past decade or so. Most fly fishers head to the Texas Hill Country to fish the clear, cold waters for trout, Guadalupe bass, Rio Grande perch and other species.

Salt water fishing is another top draw for fishermen heading to Texas. All along the Texas coast, anglers chase redfish (red drum), speckled trout, and flounder. On the lower stretches of the coast, fishermen also have good tarpon fishing. At the extreme southern end of the coast, fishermen working the waters around Port Isabel and South Padre Island also can enjoy the only snook fishing outside of South Florida. Texas also offers a number of world-class fishing lodges if you want to stay close to the water.

If your dad is the adventurous type, you may want to check into a trip with Lake Buchanan Adventures, who offers a variety of trips and activities, including kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, and more. If dad wants to get wet, but at a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider tubing the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country.

Of course, the other popular type trip would be a golf vacation. Texas has a variety of the country’s top golf courses, ensuring dad can “tee it up” regardless of what part of the state he visits.

If dad won’t be able to make it to Texas for Father’s Day, you may consider bringing a taste of Texas to him. Lone Star Steak Company offers premium cuts of Texas beef, delivered right to your door. In addition, the company’s website offers a variety of cooking tips to ensure your steak will taste just like you would expect a “Texas steak” to taste.

Don't forget to send Dad flowers, gourmet goodies or our cool '48 Ford Pickup keepsake.

Summer Flowering Gardening

2010-06-09T23:05:00.001-05:00

Looking to do a little summer flower gardening? There are many different things to keep in mind during the hot summer months. Here are a few tips and tricks for keeping your flower gardens looking great during the summer.

Don’t water between noon and 5:00 p.m. The water will just evaporate and not sink into the ground like it should. This means your flowers’ roots won’t get the moisture they need. Watering after 6:00 p.m. helps hydrate your flowers and conserves water.

Remember to plant your fall bulbs in June.

To keep your flowers blooming throughout the season, be sure to routinely remove any deadheads.

Fertilize your flowering annuals every two weeks during the hot summer months.

During really hot, dry weather, water your container plants every other day at a minimum.

If you are growing roses, be sure to fertilize them in June.

If flowers seem to be getting out of hand, don’t be afraid to cut them back a bit.

Don’t fall behind on the weeding.

Summers in Houston

2010-05-25T21:15:00.002-05:00

Spending the summer in Houston? You may think that the summers in the city are going to be hot and humid. However, that’s not always the truth. Sometimes, the summer days do get hot, of course, but there are some days when the breeze comes in and the days are actually very comfortable. Traveling around downtown is going to seem warmer—the many concrete surfaces hold in the heat. However, in the parks that can be found throughout Houston, the temperature is a little better since the ground and the many fountains will help cool things down.

Another thing about summers in Houston is that it usually rains or at least showers fairly often. This does raise the humidity, but it also helps to cool things down. The humidity can get pretty bad, of course, but overall, summers in Houston are hot but not unbearable. While those who are used to living in cooler areas may find the heat a bit more than they’re used to, Houston isn’t as bad as some other areas.

Why Flowers Make Us Happy

2010-05-19T09:18:00.002-05:00

Imagine coming home from a long day of work, walking past your dining room table, and collapsing on your sofa, totally exhausted. Now imaging walking past your dining room table and your eyes catching sight of a gorgeous, bright display of flowers. Don’t you immediately feel better seeing those blossoms and blooms? There’s just something about flowers that tend to make us happy and make the worries of the day vanish or at least seem a bit less stressful. But is there any reason why flowers make us happy?

There actually are several reasons. In fact, a scientific study actually discovered that flowers can stimulate our emotions, specifically our happier emotions, and make us feel better. This study, done by Rutgers University, shows that receiving flowers immediately affects people’s moods. They suddenly feel excited, loved, happy, and delighted. The response was the same across all ages involved in the study.

Long term, flowers also had an impact on mood. The more often people saw the flowers, the happier they were overall. Even after a stressful day, seeing flowers can brighten up a person’s mood, especially if the flowers were sent by a close friend or loved one. By connecting flowers to a specific person, all of the emotions that one might feel towards that person are stirred up by seeing the flowers. This is why lovers and spouses traditionally send each other flowers. Seeing those red roses your husband gave you on your birthday reminds you of just how much you love him. Likewise, the congratulations bouquet your girlfriend sends you to your office helps stir up feelings of just how special she is.

So it’s more than just your imagination: it has been scientifically proven that flowers make us happy! Next time you’re feeling down, order yourself a nice bouquet of flowers. You’ll feel better immediately, and every time you see them for the next week or so, you’ll find yourself smiling.

Flower Baskets: A Fresh Take on a Beautiful Tradition

2010-05-13T08:48:00.003-05:00

Decorate with Hanging Flower Baskets

Hanging flower baskets are a great way to add floral color to your home without the hassles of garden planting. Placing flowers in hanging flower baskets is easy to plant and maintain.

Here are some tips for using hanging flower baskets to boost your home’s curb appeal.

Choose the right location for your hanging flower basket. When you select a plant to hang in front of your home, consider its intended location. If your porch is fully exposed to the sun and there is very little shade, then plant sun loving plants. If you have a shady location for your hanging basket, then choose a plant that enjoys partial shade or full shade. There are many flowers to choose from at your local plant nursery so don’t feel limited to only purchasing, for instance, geraniums in the sun and begonias in the shade. Don’t try to force a plant where it won’t grow and thrive. That would do nothing for your home’s curb appeal.

Feed your flowers. Flowers in hanging baskets still need care. They aren’t maintenance free. You can plant the flowers in a special potting soil mix that provides nutrients periodically. For example, there is Scotts Miracle-Gro Premium Potting Mix that lasts for three months. There is also plant food you can mix with water to feed your flowers, such as Scotts Miracle-Gro All Purpose Plant Food.

Choose a well-drained planter. There is a variety of hanging basket planters you can choose from. Use your own personal style preference when selecting one. The main this is that the planter you choose is well drained. There are wire hanging baskets that are lined with coconut such as Panacea Products Classic Finial Series, Black 14-Inch Hanging Basket that allow the water to drain throughout. There are also plastic baskets that have holes in the bottom. Find a well drained hanging basket that matches the style of your home.

Work in layers. There are 2-tier and 3-tier hanging baskets that stack two and three baskets on top of each other in a layered effect. You get more for your money that way and a lot more floral color to display in the same space. As you water the flowers in the top basket, the water drains to the next and so one. That helps better use of your water supply. Two and three tier hanging baskets can get pretty heavy so hang them on a sturdy hook.

Send a Fresh Flower Basket Today.

Fun Ideas for Mother’s Day

2010-05-05T12:56:00.001-05:00

It’s almost Mother’s Day! What sort of plans do you have with your mom for 2010? Some people go for the traditional, such as taking mom out for dinner or having a family outing. Others, however, might look to do something a little different. Here are some fun activity and gift ideas for Mother’s Day for those looking to mix it up a bit this year.

Get creative! Moms love it when their kids are creative, no matter what age those kids may be. Younger kids can make custom puzzles for mom using special puzzle sheets that are pre-cut. Just draw on them, punch them apart, and mix them up. Older kids might want to create a scavenger hunt for mom that eventually leads her to a bright bouquet of flowers or a special breakfast cooked just for her.

Do you sing or play an instrument? How about writing a song just for your mom? It doesn’t have to be very long, and you can always write new lyrics to a song you already know how to play. This is a great way of telling your mom how much you love her, and she’s sure to appreciate the work you put into your lyrics. If you’re not musical, you can always write her a poem or even a story. Smaller children could draw pictures.

If you’re technologically savvy and can’t make it to Mother’s Day in person, set up an online video call between your family and your mom. While a phone call is great, you’ll make mom’s day if she actually gets to see you (and any kids you may have).

How about making mom feel like a queen? You can get a plastic tiara and royal scepter from just about any store that carries party supplies. Or you can get a sash and decorate it with “World’s Greatest Mom” and make her feel like she’s won a beauty pageant. Of course, if you name her the queen, you have to follow her royal decrees!

How to Send Flowers that Mom Will Love

2010-05-03T17:47:00.002-05:00

Mother’s Day is almost here, and many people are getting ready to call up their local florist and select a great arrangement for their mom. But how can you guarantee that your mom is going to love the flowers you send her? Well, there’s no way to completely guarantee anyone will love anything, but there are some things you can take into consideration when selecting an arrangement for your mom that will help.

First, think of her favorite colors and flowers. If you know she loves roses, go with an arrangement of roses. If, on the other hand, daffodils or lilies are her favorite flowers, go with a bouquet of those flowers. Maybe you aren’t certain what your mom’s favorite flower is, but if you know she loves purple, you can send her an arrangement of purple flowers like lavender daisies, purple Monte Cassino asters, and purple Matsumoto asters.

Another way of deciding on an arrangement is to think of your mom’s personality. If she likes frilly decorative pillows, she might like an arrangement that features a lot of pink or is decorated with a ribbon or bow. On the other hand, if she is more of the outdoors type or has decorated her home in a country theme, she might like a bouquet that comes in a wicker basket.

If you’re still not sure what type of arrangement to get your mom, you can always talk to one of the many experienced florists at Wildflower. They can assist you in creating the perfect arrangement for your mother that is both beautiful and unique to her personality.

Plan a Romantic Date Night in Houston

2010-04-28T08:43:00.001-05:00

There’s a lot to do in Houston. If you and your significant other are looking to plan a romantic night (or day) out, you’ll find a number of different activities that are both fun and designed to bring the two of you closer together. Here are just a few ideas for romantic date nights in Houston.

If you enjoy outdoor activities, you might like to take a leisurely stroll through Hermann Park. You can take a picnic dinner with you and watch the sun set, enjoy the shows at the park’s outdoor theatre, and even take a paddle boat out on the lake.

Another fun outdoor adventure is to go horseback riding at the All Heart Horse Farm. This ranch, which is located outside Houston in Manvel, Texas, gives you and your loved one a chance to learn how to ride a horse while under the eye of an experienced instructor. It’s a different type of date that can be a lot of fun for the adventurous.

Of course, if you’re not looking for something like that, there’s always the traditional dinner and a movie. Houston has a large number of great restaurants, and there are many movie theaters located throughout the city as well. There are also a number of different live theater performances, music performances, and other events going on in the city at all times of the year.

Climb Chase Tower for a great view of the city and for a little romantic time together. The view is especially great at night when all of Houston is lit up and spread out beneath you. This is a great place to tell your significant other how much he/she means to you.

Finally, the Market Square Historic District offers a great place to explore historic buildings, eat at some amazing little cafes and restaurants, and enjoy the live performances that are often held in the area. You can take a guided tour of Market Square, but you can also explore on your own.

Of course, no romantic date night is complete without flowers, candies, and other little tokens of affection. Be sure to great your date with a single rose or a full bouquet, no matter if it’s your first date or if you’re taking out your spouse of 30+ years.

Why Administrative Assistants Deserve a Week of Appreciation

2010-04-19T07:33:00.001-05:00

Chances are, your administrative assistant has saved your bacon more times than you can count. He or she has made the unpleasant phone calls, turned the mess of a schedule into a perfectly timed masterpiece, and dealt with any and all clients who come into your office, even the annoying ones. There are many reasons why administrative assistants deserve this week of appreciation.

They keep your office running year-round. It’s as simple as that—administrative assistants keep all of your records, answer the phones, take messages, schedule meetings, call in tech support to fix the copy machine, make coffee, and much, much more. If it needs doing, chances are your administrative assistant can do it (or already does it).

They are the gatekeepers of information. If you need to know something, your administrative assistant can provide it. If they don’t know it right off, they know where to find it or who to call to get it.

He or she is also your personal gatekeeper. Your schedule is often very full and as such, you may not be able to meet with every customer personally. Your administrative assistant often handles basic client needs or decides which clients are important enough to get a small slice of your personal time. Without this, you would spend hours meeting with clients.

They do thankless tasks. No one likes to do some of the tasks that need to be done in an office. Filing, checking documents for errors, and doing mass mailings can be boring, tedious tasks, and these are often tasks that fall to the administrative assistant. Next time you pass off one of these jobs to your assistant, remember to show your appreciation.

They keep your office running. When it comes right down to it, your administrative assistant makes certain your office is running smoothly. Without them, you would find yourself overwhelmed with the many day to day tasks necessary to keep an office going. So remember to thank your administrative assistant during this week of appreciation, but be sure to thank him or her year-round, too. They work hard, and they deserve it!

Appreciating Your Administrative Professionals

2010-04-13T09:07:00.001-05:00

Every year, the last full week of April is set aside as Administrative Professionals Week. This year, the week starts on April 18 and runs through April 24. Millions of people worldwide honor their administrative professionals during this week, especially on April 21, Administrative Professionals Day.

Administrative Professionals Week originally began as National Secretaries Week in 1952. It was created by Harry F. Klemfuss, a publicist in New York. He wanted to encourage more people to enter the administrative professional field. Originally, the week was celebrated the first week of June, but in 1955, National Secretaries Week was moved to the last full week of April. In 1981, it was officially renamed Administrative Professionals Week so that all administrative support staff were included.

Today, many people celebrate Administrative Professionals Week by giving their administrative assistants flowers, vacation time, or by taking them out to lunch. While these hard-working professionals should be thanked on a regular basis due to all the work they do year-round, it is especially important to remember to honor them during this week.

Easter Flowers and Their Meanings

2010-03-29T09:08:00.004-05:00

There are many different flowers associated with the Easter holiday. Here are just a few of them and their meanings.

The Easter Lily represents Christ’s resurrection, purity, and hope.

Azaleas represent temperance, passion, fragility, say “take care of yourself,” and, in China, represent womanhood.

Daisies stand for innocence, loyalty, gentleness, and purity.

Tulips stand for the values of passion, perfect love, and belief.

The chrysanthemum represents cheerfulness, rest, and says “you’re a wonderful friend!”

Daffodils symbolize unrequited love, regard, and say “you’re the only one for me.”

Hyacinth have different meanings depending on the color. Purple hyacinth stand for sorrow or ask for forgiveness, while red and pink hyacinth symbolize playfulness.

St. Patrick’s Day in Houston

2010-03-15T22:40:00.001-05:00

Looking for things to do on St. Patrick’s Day in Houston? There are certainly a number of different things going on, especially parties. If you’re looking to drink some green beer and have a great time with your friends, you’ll find many different opportunities. Here are just a few events for both families and adults.

One of the top pubs to visit is Lucky’s Pub. They throw a huge party on St. Patrick’s Day itself. It kicks off at 6 in the morning with breakfast, including Lucky Charms series (it’s magically delicious!). The bar opens up at 7 a.m., and throughout the day, ten different bands will play for your entertainment. They will also, of course, serve green beer and other treats.

If you’d rather drink something other than green beer, you may want to head over to Kenneally’s Irish Pub. Their bartenders are known for their skill at pouring a great pint of Guinness, but they have more than that. They are also known for their great bar food, including pizza.

Another option is the Absinthe Lounge. Celebrating the drink that was a favorite of James Joyce, the lounge is a favorite of many. They also have some great food, including quesadillas, panini, and pizza. Other great places to drink include Grum Bar, Bullpen Pizza & Sports Bar, Stag’s Head Pub, Sam’s Boat (featuring a St. Patrick’s Day costume contest), and the Shakespeare Pub.

Unfortunately, this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held on March 13, so it’s too late to attend this great event. It featured Grand Marshalls David Carr, Michael Carr, and Billy Carr, three Irishmen who have been active in the Houston Irish community. The St. Patrick’s Day parade is often held the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day, so be ready for it next year.

Spring Flower Celebrations in Houston

2010-03-10T01:43:00.003-06:00

Looking for something to do in Houston that involves those gorgeous spring flowers? There are a few different events going on this spring celebrating bright flowers, and attending one or two of them will surely get rid of any lingering winter depression.

One of the most popular spring events is the River Oaks Garden Club Azalea Trail. This event features tons of beautiful azaleas and other flowers. The “trail” consists of different homes and gardens, including the gorgeous Forum, the unique Bayou Bend, and Rienzi. Participants will enjoy strolling through each garden and marveling at the many pink, white, red, yellow, and purple azaleas on display.

While not strictly a floral event, the Galveston Historic Homes Tour is a fun way of seeing what other people have done with their gardens. You’ll be able to spy many spring flowers as you walk through many of the area’s most fascinating and historic private homes. This tour takes place in May, and you can get an idea of just what you’ll see by going to the Galveston Historical Foundation’s website at http://www.galvestonhistory.org/

There are a number of other events in Houston during the spring that, while they don’t celebrate flowers directly, do involve flowers. You’ll spot some bright flowers during the Cinco De Mayo celebration and the Asian/Pacific American Heritage Festival, for example. And while they aren’t considered flowers themselves, the strawberry plants that are central to the Pasadena Strawberry Festival do have pretty little white blooms on them at certain points during the year.

Caring for Fresh Cut Tulips

2010-02-25T02:42:00.001-06:00

Tulips are a very popular flower, and many people enjoy putting a few fresh cut tulips in a vase as a centerpiece for their table or to brighten up a room. However, caring for fresh cut tulips can be a little different from caring for other cut flowers. Here are some basic tips on keeping your fresh cut tulips looking great for as long as possible.

•Be sure to check the water in the vase on a regular basis and add a bit if needed. Use room temperature water—tulips don’t like water that’s too hot or too cold.

•Before putting your tulips in the vase, remove any foliage that’s going to be in the water.

•To keep air out of the stem, place the fresh cut tulip under water and then cut the stem diagonally. Immediately move it from the water to the vase (put water in the vase first, of course).

•Every four or five days, take the tulips out of the vase and cut off about an inch of the stem.

•Do not put tulips in any vase that has had recut daffodils in it. If there’s any residue daffodil sap in the vase, it can kill the tulips.

•Keep your tulips out of direct sunlight, and don’t place them too near a heating vent. Too much heat makes tulips wilt.

•Moving your tulip arrangement to the coolest room in the house at night will help keep them looking beautiful longer.

•Remember that tulips will bend towards the light and that they will actually keep growing even after cut, so expect to see them tipping their heads towards the windows.

Following these basic steps to caring for your tulips will keep them looking amazing for a week or so.

What Message Are you Sending When You Do/Don’t Send Valentine Flowers?

2010-02-09T01:06:00.001-06:00

Valentine’s Day will soon be upon us, and for many people, that equates to sending flowers. In fact, if you plan on sending fresh red roses, you should probably be ordering them about now to avoid being told “sorry, we’re all out!” But what if you don’t send flowers? What message are you sending when you send someone flowers on Valentine’s Day, and what message are you sending when you don’t?

If you’re sending flowers to your special someone, obviously the message is “I love you!” or at least “I care about you.” If you really want to go the extra mile to show that you care, you’ll send these flowers early (on Friday instead of Sunday, which is the actual holiday) to his/her place of work so that your significant other can show them off.

If you’re attempting to woo that special someone, sending an arrangement of flowers on or around Valentine’s Day is a great way of doing it. This sends the message of interest, and if he or she reciprocates, it can lead to a Valentine’s Day date and maybe even the start of a relationship. Of course, if he/she doesn’t feel the same way, you may find yourself a little lonely.

You can, of course, send platonic Valentine’s Day flowers to a friend or family member. Single friends often send each other roses on Valentine’s Day just for fun or to show each other how much they care. There’s really never any downside to sending flowers to someone, even if there is no romantic feeling behind it—just make sure if you’re sending platonic flowers that the recipient knows this so there’s no confusion.

Of course, if you don’t send flowers to your significant other on Valentine’s Day, you may be sending a message you don’t really want to send. If he or she (usually she) is expecting a bouquet of roses and doesn’t get it, you may be in trouble. Not sending flowers is one way of saying that a romance is over. Basically, if you don’t send flowers to someone who is expecting them, you’re going to hear about it eventually, and it may cause some trouble with your Valentine’s Day plans.

On the other hand, some couples don’t usually exchange flowers, and neither may want the other to go to the expense of ordering roses. However, in this case, a surprise gift of a single red rose or a small arrangement of three roses can be incredibly meaningful and score you some major romance points.

Finding Just the Right Flowers to Send for Valentine’s Day

2010-02-02T00:35:00.003-06:00

Finding the perfect flowers to send for Valentine’s Day may seem like a difficult chore, especially for men. Sometimes, it just seems like it’s impossible to find that perfect arrangement. There are always the traditional roses, and while a dozen red roses will certainly do the trick, they may not truly speak to your significant other. Sometimes, there are other ways of saying how much you care.

For example, you can always get her a dozen roses but go with a different color. If her favorite color is hot pink, go with hot pink roses. Sure, tradition may say that pink roses mean something other than true love, but who cares what tradition says in this case? You can also mix different colored roses to create colorful, different arrangements that really speak to your significant other. Don’t let tradition hold you back—if she loves the color blue, ask if you can get blue tipped roses or add some blue flowers to the mix. Your florist can get incredibly creative.

Adding in lilies, tulips, and even things like sunflowers can really make creative arrangements that are still stunningly romantic. You don’t always need a ton of roses, either. One idea is to do a single red rose backed by other flowers that really make it stand out. Or you can mix in white flowers amid red roses to make them pop. Again, give your florist an idea of what you want and you’ll be amazed at what he or she can create.

Just because it’s Valentine’s Day and roses are the tradition doesn’t mean you have to give them, though. If your significant other doesn’t like roses, don’t send them! Instead, send her (or him) an arrangement of her/his favorite flowers. This might be a bouquet of lilies or tulips. Even if it’s not the traditional Valentine’s Day flower, it’s going to say much more than yet another bouquet of roses that aren’t truly appreciated.

Finally, don’t forget the extras. Flowers say a lot, but flowers and chocolates, a stuffed animal, and a balloon say a lot more. If she loves teddy bears, get a little stuffed bear to go with the arrangement. Many florists have little items like these available. Above all, make it personal—go with what you know he or she likes and what has meaning for you as a couple.

Plan a Romantic Valentine’s Day in Houston

2010-01-26T00:33:00.000-06:00

Are you already thinking about where to take your loved one on Valentine’s Day? If you’re in the Houston area, you’ll find a number of great things to do that are a bit out of the ordinary. After all, you don’t want to go to that same restaurant and order the same meal again, do you? Spice up this Valentine’s Day by trying these fun ideas.

Moody Gardens currently has a great penguin exhibit that is more than just looking at these cool birds through a glass window. Instead, after a 45-minute tour, you get to actually go in and play with a penguin one on one. How neat is that? If you and your significant other are animal lovers, this might be the perfect Valentine’s date.

If you love murder mysteries, you’ll absolutely love Keith and Margo’s St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. This amazing event takes place at the Renaissance Houston Hotel Greenway Plaza. Just be warned that it’s not cheap—the price per couple is $188.

Not a fan of Valentine’s Day? Well, you can always attend the Howl at the Moon’s Anti-Valentine’s Day party! It’s sure to be a lot of fun whether your single or part of a couple who isn’t into hearts and cards.

Sambuca is a great bar and restaurant for those who love contemporary jazz. It’s consistently packed on Valentine’s Day, though, so if you want to treat your significant other to this great atmosphere, you better make reservations now. You get a three course meal, amazing live music, and the chance to show off your dance skills.

Spending some time in Houston’s museum district is a different yet still interesting way of spending Valentine’s Day. It’s certainly not traditional, but it may be exactly what you need to break out of the Valentine’s Day mold and experience something different.

Of course, if none of these ideas sound great, there’s always the old standby: a romantic dinner at home. Whether you sneak in take-out or cook it yourself, there’s nothing quite like dining by candlelight with your loved one. You can go all-out and make some exotic dish served with wine, or just go for something simple. Either way, spending time alone together is what Valentine’s Day is all about. Don’t forget the fresh flowers, either—nothing puts one in the Valentine’s Day spirit than bright red roses!

The Warmth of Flowers

2010-01-12T23:35:00.000-06:00

During the cold winter months, we often find our homes feeling chilly. While you can turn up the heat or block the drafts, if your home doesn’t have a warm atmosphere, you’ll still feel cold. How can you make your home feel warm and inviting? One way is by adding flowers to your home. Fresh flowers can help create a warm atmosphere even in the coldest winter weather.

Colors play a huge part in creating a feeling of warmth. A bouquet of white roses or white lilies may look amazing, but the white color can reinforce the fact that there’s a foot of snow outside. Warm flowers in bright reds or purples, on the other hand, have a warmer feel to them. These colors create a bright, appealing arrangement, especially when you surround them with bright, colorful tablecloths and other decorations in the same colors. Burning candles can also be a great way of adding a touch of warmth to your décor, and they have the added benefit of putting out a bit of heat, too.

Candles and flowers have the added bonus of bringing in scents to your home as well. Fresh flowers will add a lovely scent to the area around them, while candles can fill your entire home with the welcoming smell of cinnamon, apples, cherries, and even baking cookies. These types of smells can make your home feel inviting and invoke memories of childhood and special times in you and your guests.

Don’t forget, of course, that if you use fresh flowers to help create your warm atmosphere that you don’t let them linger past their prime. A decrepit bouquet can undermine the feeling of warmth and comfort that you’re trying to create, so be sure to order a replacement arrangement when your current one is starting to look worn.

Christmas Events in Houston

2009-12-21T16:59:00.003-06:00

Looking for some exciting holiday events in the Houston area? The city has a number of things to do for Christmas, and many of them are very family-friendly. Whether you want to do something a little romantic with your special someone or take the whole family out for a winter adventure, you’ll find something on this list that sounds perfect.

Discovery Green Park is going white for the second year in a row. The open-air ice skating rink is open to skaters of all ages and experience. For $10, you can skate for an hour and a half, and that price includes your skate rental. Once you’re done with skating, you can take the free trolley to the Shops at Houston Center, the Houston Pavilions, and several other locations without dealing with the holiday parking mess.

The Galleria Shopping Center also offers ice skating and shopping. They are a little more expensive—$13 for skate rental and time on the ice—but you can skate indoors, so the weather isn’t a factor. You also have plenty of shopping and eating choices right there in the mall.

The Children’s Museum of Houston is featuring an educational display this year that highlights seven different holidays. Kids will learn about Christmas, Diwali, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Ramadan, Las Posadas, and Lunar New Year. Each different holiday gets its own house and neighborhood “block” featuring decorations and traditional events.

The Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is very festive during this time of the year. The historic museum will be decorated until January 3^rd. Visitors get to see a recreation of the Twelfth-Night anniversary dinner featuring George and Marsha Washington, a Christmas scene from 1950s Houston, and more. The museum is even open late for music, hot cider, and a candlelight tour.

The Houston Ballet is performing The Nutcracker until December 27^th. This traditional Christmas ballet features gorgeous costumes, amazing choreography, and, of course, great music by Tchaikovsky. The December 27 performance at 7:30 is marked as a special discount performance, so tickets will probably be selling out quickly.

Of course, there are many other activities in Houston that you can do this holiday season that don’t cost a thing. One of the most popular is to simply drive around looking at Christmas lights. This is a great way to spend the evening with the family, especially if you have young kids. Going caroling is also very fun and can quickly become a neighborhood event.

Holiday Entertaining

2009-12-01T11:17:00.002-06:00

Entertaining during the holidays can be stressful, but it can also be very rewarding. Seeing all your friends or family members gathered around your table to celebrate the holidays can be a great sight. Of course, this sight can’t come without a good amount of work on your part. That’s why it’s important to make a plan for your holiday events.

First, be sure you have a firm guest list. While it’s OK for one or two people to show up or cancel at the last minute, you need a good idea of just how many people to expect. This is especially true if you’re cooking a full meal. If you don’t have any idea of how many people are coming, you have no way of knowing how much food to buy. Ask your invited guests to let you know if they are coming a week or so before the event. That way, you have enough time to purchase food and other items. Also, make food ahead of time if you can. Desserts like cookies or pie can be made the day before, as can some cold appetizers.

Don’t wait until the last minute to clean your house. In fact, if you can, clean a little bit each day. While you’ll still need to do some sweeping and a little straightening up the day of the event, you won’t have to do anything major.

Another thing to do ahead of time is to order flowers for your table. Selecting a great arrangement for your centerpiece or for your mantle can add a lot to your holiday décor. However, the holidays are one of the busiest times for florists, so if you’re going to order an arrangement, be sure to do so in advance. Don’t wait until the last minute or you may not be able to get the arrangement you want, especially if you’re looking for traditional holiday arrangements like poinsettias.

Finally, remember not to stress too much over the event. You’re entertaining some of your closest friends or your family, and it should be an enjoyable experience. To that end, try not to wear yourself out. If you’re exhausted from cooking and cleaning, you won’t have any fun at your own party. Remember to ask your spouse and even your children to help you, or ask a friend or relative to co-host the holiday festivities.

Thanksgiving Centerpieces

2009-11-17T23:35:00.002-06:00

Preparing that perfect Thanksgiving meal involves many different things. Of course, the main ingredient in the perfect Thanksgiving is the turkey and the food itself, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Décor is also important, especially when it comes to your buffet or your table. In fact, having an elegant set table before dinner is one great way to really impress your guests, and no table is complete without a magnificent centerpiece.

Thanksgiving centerpieces don’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are many different centerpieces you can create for very little. If you have flowers growing in your yard, you can cut some of them and have a very nice bouquet. However, this alone won’t make an amazing centerpiece. However, if you add a few gourds, a couple of autumn leaves from the lawn, or maybe a few pumpkin scented candles and you’ll find that your centerpiece is suddenly complete.

Another option, if you don’t have any flowers growing in your garden in November (and many people won’t, especially not in the colder areas), then here’s another idea: take a green plant you have in your home and place it on the table. If you have a nice wicker basket, you might even want to put the plant’s pot in the basket. You can also hollow out a pumpkin to use as a temporary pot. If the pumpkin or the basket is too large, you can fill the space around the pot with autumn leaves. Then surround the plant with more leaves, gourds, or, if you’re using a hollowed out pumpkin, you can put mini-pumpkins around it. Pine cones and twigs can also be used to create a nice fall effect. Green plants that work well for this kind of arrangement include ivies, ferns, floral moss, and fall mums.

Naturally, if you aren’t crafty or don’t have the time, you will find some great fall arrangements from a local florist. Some of these are special Thanksgiving arrangements, but most florists have fall flowers that can work just as well. Remember, your centerpiece doesn’t have to be huge, it just has to be color coordinated, and each piece needs to work with the rest.

Birth Flowers and Their Meanings

2009-11-09T13:49:00.004-06:00

Many people know about birth stones and the meanings that go with them. Many people like using these gems in their jewelry, and jewelry items featuring birth stones are often given as gifts. However, few people know the flower associated with the month of their birth. Each month has one, and each of these flowers have a special meaning. Here are the 12 different birth flowers, their meanings, and a little bit about them:

January – the carnation. The carnation symbolizes love, fascination, and distinction. During the Victorian era, the carnation was often used to convey hidden messages to others. If a woman received a red carnation from a gentleman, it was his way of saying that his heart ached for her, while a woman might send a man a yellow carnation symbolizing disappointment if she was not pleased with him.

February – the violet. This common flower stands for chastity, humility, and faithfulness. The violet starts blooming towards the end of February, and it continues to bloom until April. The violet grows in many countries around the world, but many of these violets are slightly different. In fact, there are more than 400 recognized species of violet!

March – the jonquil (also called the narcissus or daffodil). No matter what you call this elegant flower, March’s birth flower means domestic happiness or friendship. It can be found in white, orange, or yellow. In its native southern Europe, it’s called the Jonquil, but the more common English name for the flower is the Daffodil. The name “narcissus” comes from the flower’s scientific name, which is narcissus jonquilla.

April – the sweet pea. While it may not be one of the most well-known of flowers, the sweet pea stands for blissful pleasure or for good-byes. There are many different varieties of sweet peas, and they can be found with blooms in just about every color. Some even have bi-colored blooms.

May – the lily of the valley. This white flower stands for humility and sweetness. The plant features small, bell-shaped flowers that are quite fragrant. In Latin, this flower is referred to as the Maius Anthemon, which means May Flower.

June – the rose. A very popular flower, those born in June know that the rose comes in a variety of different colors, each with its own meaning. However, the general meaning of the rose, especially the traditional red rose, is love and beauty. There are over a hundred different species of wild roses, each varying by color, size of bloom, and how the rose bush itself grows.

July – the larkspur. This flower stands for an open heart and for an ardent attachment. The pink, purple, and white blooms of the larkspur are paired with the ruby, July’s birthstone. It’s also known as the Delphinium because of its genus name. The name “larkspur” comes from the spur of the flower which is shaped like that on a lark.

August – the gladiolus. These tall flowers symbolize sincerity and strength of character, and while orange seems to be the most common color, they can also be found with pink, red, white, and yellow blooms. The gladiolus is famous for being the trademark flower of Barry Humphries’s stage character Dame Edna Everage.

September – the aster. The aster symbolizes valor, wisdom, faith, and love. It’s sometimes called the September Flower or the starworts. “Aster,” in fact, means “star” in Greek, and the blooms of the aster flower do resemble stars or starbursts.

October – the calendula or marigold. The calendula stands for sympathy and sorrow, and as such, some do not see it as a good flower to give as a gift. However, this orange and yellow flower is often used with other flowers in a bouquet for Halloween or for the fall since it begins blooming in early October.

November – the chrysanthemum. The chrysanthemum stands for cheerfulness and is a way of saying “I’m sending you this with love.” People have cultivated the chrysanthemum for more than 2,000 years, especially in Asia, where it is quite an important flower. In feng shui, it is believed that by bringing chrysanthemums into your house, you bring in happiness and laughter.

December – the narcissus. December and March actually share a birth flower. The narcissus, aka the daffodil or the jonquil, is usually known as the flower of faithfulness, modesty, and respect when linked to December.

Veterans Day Wreath Ceremonies in Houston

2009-11-03T22:49:00.001-06:00

Veterans Day is November 11, 2009, and it’s a day of remembering our military heroes. The City of Houston honors our veterans, both living and those we’ve lost, in a number of different ways. The city’s official Veterans Day celebration begins at 10:00 a.m. at the steps of city hall and is then followed by a parade.

There are a number of other ceremonies being held on Veterans Day to honor and celebrate those who have given their lives in defense of America. There will be a number of different memorial and wreath ceremonies held at various cemeteries in Houston. The main wreath ceremony will take place at the Houston National Cemetery at 10:00 a.m. The cemetery is located at 10410 Veterans Memorial Drive and can be reached via phone at (281) 447-8686 or 447-0580.

Decorating for a Halloween Party

2009-10-27T09:10:00.002-05:00

Halloween is a time of year when you can indulge yourself and pretend to be someone you’re not. Whether your Halloween costume is daring and different or more traditional, this holiday always guarantees a fun time. This is especially true if you’re hosting a Halloween party. Turning your home into a creepy haunted house doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, it can be very easy.

One of the cheapest and yet most effective decorations is the cotton spider webs. By liberally spreading these around your home, you can add a nice, creepy feel without spending a lot of money. Plastic spiders and other little bugs can easily be stuck on these cotton spider webs to add even more atmosphere.

If you have a computer and printer, you can turn any old glass bottle into a decoration. Just design and print off some labels to turn that standard wine bottle into a bottle of blood or witch’s brew. You don’t even need to print these on sticky labels—just tape the label to the bottle. Place these bottles around your martini glasses and other drink selections. You can even create new labels for full bottles.

For your coffee table, you can set out a few books of scary stories. Edgar Allen Poe, Stephen King, and classics like Frankenstein and Dracula make great books to scatter around your home or to display on your bookshelves or mantle.

Food and drinks are, of course, a necessity at any Halloween party. You can find many different recipes online that show you how to turn standard snacks into Halloween-themed desserts and finger foods. You’re going to want to add some decorations to your snack table, naturally. A Halloween flower bouquet works very well here. While you may not think of flowers as something associated with this holiday, many florists have started offering Halloween bouquets. Some include great fall flowers with Halloween accessories, such as the Cute n’ Creepy arrangement or the Bat’s Incredible bouquet. Then there’s the Ghoulish Green arrangement, an interesting bouquet full of green and black flowers. No matter which you select, these flowers will lend an air of ghoulish fun to your snack table.

Sophisticated Flowers with Country Charm

2009-10-20T05:11:00.001-05:00

We’ve all heard the term “country charm,” but no one ever actually defines it. What constitutes country charm, and, with flowers, how can you achieve this affect? A lot of people enjoy decorating their homes in what they consider old country charm, and adding a bouquet of sophisticated flowers often enhances this look. But how do you make sophisticated flowers fit in with the country charm theme?

One great way of doing it is with the container. While an elegant glass vase adds a very nice touch to your dining room table, a wicker basket of flowers fits in more with the country charm theme. These baskets don’t have to be huge—often, a small, round basket holds the same amount of flowers as a standard vase, but it holds them differently. Instead of having a tall arrangement, you have a wider arrangement that features shorter flowers. Terra cotta pots also make good containers for these types of bouquets.

The type of flowers you use is also important. Sunflowers are great at lending a touch of country charm to your arrangements. Their big, bright faces really liven up a room, too. Often, country décor includes images of sunflowers, so you can even match your flowers to your curtains or placemats. Chrysanthemums in various rustic colors are also a good choice and will blend in with many different country themes. Another great idea is a wicket basket or little wooden bucket full of daisies. This type of arrangement gives the air of freshly picked flowers. Your friends will think you stepped out into the meadow and collected the flowers yourself.

As you can see, you have a variety of flower options that capture the idea of country charm. It may be a hard concept to define, but when it comes to flowers, anything in reds, oranges, and yellows generally work very well. Above all, of course, you want your flowers to work with the rest of your home’s décor, so select something that naturally fits in with your idea of country charm.

Funny Things Bosses Say

2009-10-13T10:42:00.001-05:00

With Boss’s Day coming up on October 16, it’s time to give thanks to all those great bosses. But while “kids say the darndest things,” it’s also true that bosses can say some pretty funny things. If you’re looking for a few funny things to add to your Boss’s Day card, here are some famous quotes from and about bosses.

“I didn’t say it was your fault. I said I was going to blame it on you.”

“Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties”

“We are going to continue having these meetings, everyday, until I find out why no work is getting done.”

“We passed over a lot good people to get the ones we hired.”

“What you see as a glass ceiling, I see as a protective barrier.”

“The person who knows HOW will always have a job. The person who knows WHY will always be his boss.”

“If it wasn’t for bad bosses, I wouldn’t know what a good one was like.”

“The best time to start thinking about your retirement is before the boss does.”

A bit about Boss’s Day

Wondering where Boss’s Day came from? The holiday started in 1958 when Patricia Haroski registered it with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She forgot her boss’s birthday, so she decided to create a day to honor him. In 1962, Illinois Governor Otto Kerner officially sanctioned the day with a gubernatorial proclamation. Today, Boss’s Day is celebrated around the world.

Indian Summers in Houston

2009-09-28T23:44:00.002-05:00

As the months turn towards fall in Houston, we usually expect the weather to start turning chilly by around the first of October. However, this doesn’t always happen. Sometimes, we get an usually warm fall that lasts up until early November. When this occurs, it’s called an Indian Summer or, in some areas of the South, this period is called the dog days of summer. This is because Sirius, the dog star, is one of the brightest star in the northern hemisphere during this time.

Indian Summer is a fairly informal expression, and the definition of what is and what isn’t an Indian Summer varies. Generally, however, it is used to describe a late fall when the weather is very sunny and the temperature is above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It occurs before the first snow fall but after the leaves have turned and fallen.

If you live in the Houston area and experience one of these Indian Summers, you’ll find that some of the local flowers continue to bloom. These flowers may include roses, lilies, irises, and carnations, among other flowers. Other plants and flowering bushes may also continue to bloom late into the season if the weather doesn’t turn. If the fall remains warm, don’t let this opportunity pass you by—head outside and enjoy the extra time with your beautiful flowers while you have the chance.