• scissors
    April 2nd, 2009JewelleryFanGifts

    the flowers

    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.

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  • scissors
    March 24th, 2009JewelleryFanGifts

    flower

    The flower is a quixotic thing. Not only do these chards of nature possess radiant beauty, but they also host a wealth of meanings depending on the type, the color and the floral arrangement. Not everyone is familiar with “the language of flowers” today, as they were in the Victorian era, but adding a letter to explain your selection is a great way to demonstrate your thoughtfulness and up the romance while you’re at it.

    There are certain flowers associated with different holidays, which makes gift giving easy. Since Thanksgiving is a time of family gathering, a flower bouquet makes a beautiful centerpiece. Autumn-colored flowers like chrysanthemums, asters, carnations, roses and Asiatic lilies, as well as sunflowers, cornucopia and alstroemeria are all good choices. For Christmas, red and white roses or poinsettias are classic. Other considerations include the Christmas cactus or the orchid cactus, the mistletoe flower, white roses (the winter rose) and the Pohutukawa tree of New Zealand. One dozen long-stem red rose bouquets are the most traditional Valentine’s Day gift, although flowers bouquets are getting more creative and many recipients are reporting that thoughtful mixed arrangements are just as nice, if not better. For Easter, azaleas, tulips and daisies are popular choices. According to ancient Christian symbolism, white Easter lilies represent the resurrection. There are also a number of great flowers for Mother’s Day, including pink carnations, gardenias, lilies, tulips, mums, gerbera daisies and roses.

    Once you’ve decided on the ideal floral bouquet for the right occasion, be sure you order from a reputable online flower shop that boasts a long track record and offers a satisfaction guarantee. Write down delivery information and request a confirmation for peace of mind. Double-check that your order considers the recipient’s preferences, favorite flowers, favorite colors and that it is suitable for the time of year and occasion. Or perhaps your arrangement will convey the language of flowers with a hidden message. Be sure your bouquet is overflowing with beautiful blooms, rather than green leaves. Also, if you choose accessories, then be sure they do not overpower the beauty of the flowers.

    Recent research surrounding the flower has been intriguing, to say the least. One study found that 60% of men stated they would like to receive flowers too. Additionally, men have proven to be 15% more creative and efficient when flowers were added to the workplace. Another study revealed that 96% of women like to receive flowers when they’re not expecting them. Lastly, a Rutgers study of senior citizens found that those who received a floral bouquet were more sociable, less isolated and less depressed.

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