Jewellery News and Reviews

Flowers top the list of the “most popular product purchased online.” Even though electronics, books, toys and wines are also purchased via the internet, it seems that reliable flower delivery has spread like wildfire. The Society of American Florists reports that the industry made roughly $20.1 billion last year and that there are about 22,751 local shops operating in the US. Even though online sellers have flourished, many of these local shops continue to do well because they pair up with the national giants to service their local markets.

There are numerous occasions to buy flowers, the most obvious being Valentine’s Day and Birthdays. However, never underestimate the power of an unexpected delivery! To really impress someone, send an arrangement to acknowledge a job promotion or to express sympathy during a difficult time. For family members, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Easter are popular times too. It’s customary to send flowers gifts of to newlyweds to wish them well. Of course, there are also flower faux pas to be aware of.

For instance, it’s not customary to send flowers to Muslims following a family member’s death. In Asian culture, white blooms are given only during mournful and unhappy occasions. In the US, it’s customary to send the flowers in arrangements of one dozen, but in some European countries an even number is considered inappropriate. Also, Asians have superstitions about receiving four blooms (which signifies “death”) and many countries are superstitious about the number thirteen.

If you are planning to send flowers to your mate, then you will want to choose just the right ones. At www.avantegardens.com/design-your-own-flowers.html you can choose your style, size, colors and favorites, and then you will be sent a picture of your creation before sending! Similarly, www.myfloralplace.com allows you to browse signature floral bouquets, then customize by using an interactive tool to add or remove blooms and view online before ordering. While each flower has its own meaning, do not feel limited to this type of arrangement. Rather, create a message that says something about your loved one. Perhaps you will put together a fiery combination to match her fiery personality or you’ll want a rare, exotic bouquet to match your rare love. Is your lover free-spirited or traditional? What is her favorite color or variety of flower? The best bouquets of flowers show that you truly know your partner.

There are many places to buy flowers. Some people like to go down to their local flower shop and choose right there, while others like to browse and order online. Websites like www.ftd.com, www.proflowers.com and www.1800flowers.com offer great, reliable online shopping experiences. Often, online shops offer same day flower delivery, which is very convenient. While the ease of flower sending via the internet is indisputable, some consumers still prefer traditional shops because the delivery charges are more straight-forward and they can hand-write their own cards.

A 2001 Rutgers behavioral study found a clear link between flowers and life satisfaction. Over a ten-month period, they found that fresh blooms had an immediate impact on the mood of senior citizens but also had long-lasting positive effects too, such as leading to increased contact between family and encouraging companionship. “What’s most exciting about this study is that it challenges established scientific beliefs about how people can manage their day-to-day moods in a healthy and natural way,” said lead researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, PhD.

There are numerous occasions to buy flowers, the most obvious being Valentine’s Day and Birthdays. However, never underestimate the power of an unexpected delivery! To really impress someone, send an arrangement to acknowledge a job promotion or to express sympathy during a difficult time. For family members, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving and Easter are popular times too. It’s customary to send flowers gifts of to newlyweds to wish them well. Of course, there are also flower faux pas to be aware of.

For instance, it’s not customary to send flowers to Muslims following a family member’s death. In Asian culture, white blooms are given only during mournful and unhappy occasions. In the US, it’s customary to send the flowers in arrangements of one dozen, but in some European countries an even number is considered inappropriate. Also, Asians have superstitions about receiving four blooms (which signifies “death”) and many countries are superstitious about the number thirteen.

If you are planning to send flowers to your mate, then you will want to choose just the right ones. At www.avantegardens.com/design-your-own-flowers.html you can choose your style, size, colors and favorites, and then you will be sent a picture of your creation before sending! Similarly, www.myfloralplace.com allows you to browse signature floral bouquets, then customize by using an interactive tool to add or remove blooms and view online before ordering. While each flower has its own meaning, do not feel limited to this type of arrangement. Rather, create a message that says something about your loved one. Perhaps you will put together a fiery combination to match her fiery personality or you’ll want a rare, exotic bouquet to match your rare love. Is your lover free-spirited or traditional? What is her favorite color or variety of flower? The best bouquets of flowers show that you truly know your partner.

There are many places to buy flowers. When shopping online, look for phrases like “Satisfaction Guaranteed,” “Over 15 Years in the Business,” “Secure Ordering” and “Award-Winning Service.” Industry credentials, customer testimonials and awards all ultimately lend to a company’s credibility. Sometimes your local flower shop has its own website, which can be a good bet. Otherwise, try one of the larger and more established sellers like Proflowers, FTD or 1800Flowers.

Ancient Egyptians knew of flower power when it came to expressing love. They adorned their pharaohs, their tombs and their warrior carts with flower bouquets. The blue and the white lotus (water lilies) or the papyrus flower were frequently depicted in hieroglyphics and found in tombs. Lovers still enjoy giving and receiving bouquets of flowers, breathing in the poignant aromas, gazing upon the fresh natural beauty and pondering the significance of such a thoughtful gesture.

The first thing to consider when choosing floral arrangements for lovers is the nature of the relationship. Daisies and chrysanthemums are perfect for a cheerful and playful lover in an innocent and new relationship. Another flirtatious favorite for new loves is the fragrant hyacinth. Modest and shy lovers will like something sweet and simple like violets. Rose bouquets are the most famous, particularly red roses, but there are many other flower garden contenders: tulips, lilacs, lilies, wildflowers, irises and orchids, for instance. For intensely passionate physical relationships, it should be noted that tulips are traditionally known to represent “the perfect lover.”

Sometimes flower bouquets look best when coordinated with the recipient’s home decor. “The recent Harvard research is proof that if we live in places that lift our spirits, we can live happier, healthier lives,” said Rebecca Cole of the Discovery Channel’s Surprise By Design show. “Fresh cut flowers are the perfect everyday accessory for any budget, as they add color, fragrance and style, and now we know they even increase energy and compassion.” Traditional homes work best with traditional flowers, such as rose bouquets, gladiolus, irises, lilies or carnations, whereas contemporary designs call for bold colors of anthuriums, heliconia, callas and orchids. Victorian homes look best with fragrant pastels, such as roses, peonies, lavender, gardenias and freesia. Country homes often go for a bouquet of wildflowers like yarrow, wild roses, scabiosa, heather, daisies or sunflowers. To instantly de-stress a home, try varieties like cyclamen, kalanchoe, pothos, ivy, sunflowers, daisies, hydrangea, delphinium or tulips.

A good way to feel out a person’s flower favorites is to take a trip to the local botanical gardens and check out the flowers there. Does she admire big flowering plants or quaint intricate beauties? Is she fond of the fragrant, the exotic or the traditional? Finding the perfect flower bouquets is a matter of personal taste and the more the giver knows about the receiver’s preferences, the easier it’ll be. Needless to say, receiving flowers is one of the most joyous feelings in life.

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