Make your Lists
What would our lives be like if we all concentrated on the qualities/ things we HAD, and were grateful instead of whiny? With that in mind, here is MY list.
I appreciate the fact that I get to work everyday with things of beauty. I am lucky enough to be self-employed, and in charge of my own welfare. I love looking at all the new product every day, and imagining what we'll do with the Kangaroo Paws and Leucodendron "Safari Sunset."
I and my family are all healthy. I took care of a woman who had a double hip replacement, and she used to stand in the hall and say, "In 68 years, I've learned one thing-- some days, all you gotta do is get your feet on the floor!"
The weather here is beautiful this week--SUNNY! The shortest day/ longest night of the year is gonna be clear enough we'll see stars! There's just enough snow on the ground to brighten up everything, and last weekend at one of our favorite lookouts, there were whales and sea lions.
I am making a concious choice to appreciate what I have, today and in the year to come. Will you join me? What could we accomplish by adding to the appreciation, gratitude, and love in the world, instead of fear and anxiety?
Here's to a prosperous and happy new year
Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas
We probably all have baggage around the holidays, and I'm not referring to your suitcases! There is immense expectation that all holidays be perfect-- the right gifts, a stupendous meal or 3; happy, congenial Ward and June Cleaver families. The weight of "what should be" can get to a person.
So this year, if you can, let yourself relax. If you don't receive the perfect gift, so what? If the roast gets burned and you have to send out for pizza, so what? It's easy for me to say, since my job is very seasonal, and because of my work schedule I don't plan big holiday dinners or parties-- but so what? Just let yourself breathe. Let the kids help. Try to sluff off your mother-in-law's remarks. Count your blessings. My partner used to be in the personal service provider field, and I can tell you, from watching them interact-- nothing is more important than health. I am grateful every day that I can get my feet on the floor by myself, and get myself showered, dressed and fed.
No money? So what-- the economy WILL rebound in time. No friends? Go the the Salvation Army for dinner-- help yourself feel better by helping others. "Ask not what others can do for you, but what you can do for others," to paraphrase a famous american.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself, and just do one nice thing today for someone else. Then buy yourself some flowers, or treat yourself to 15 minutes of free browsing at your florists as your reward. You will feel even better.
Peaceful Holidays, everyone
Be Extraordinary
If you are planning on giving gifts to people, take a few extra moments to make them extra special. With a little thought, you can make your present a feast for the eyes, and fun to open. I always like the look of a sprig of fresh evergreens and a clump of berries tied into the ribbon; or 3 different varieties of pine cones. These both give a festive touch to the outside of the package.
If you are planning on giving gift cards or gift certificates, the possibilities of wrapping these items are endless. I would never dream of trying to choose specific music for my 25 year old niece-- so a gift card for her is perfect. It's just boring if I slap the card into the envelope. But if I roll the card around a jar of coctail olives (her favorite brand, by the way) and tape it in place then wrap THAT, it makes it more special and fun. A horse mercury glass ornament would complete this package, since she loves horses.
If you are baking gifts this year, give some thought to the containers you will use for packaging. Do you have the appropriate liners? Wax paper works just fine, but sheets of velum from your stationers, or craft store provide the same function in a myriad of fun colors and patterns, and you can cut them to fit any odd shaped vessels.
These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg on dressing up the thoughtful gifts you chose for your friends and family. With a little practice, people will love to open your presents, because they are unique, and fun. You, too, will have a good time shopping for them, seeing how creative you can be. And that's what it's all about-- you sharing your love for family and friends, and keeping the US economy strong at the same time (just kidding, there-- I do NOT advocate anyone shopping beyond their budget).
Season's greetings, everyone.
Managing Mayhem
What are you doing to foster beauty in the world? What could our lives be like if each of us focused on beautiful ideas, memories and objects, and quit obsessing about mayhem and the economy?
Here, then, is our top 5 for the rest of 2008:
1. Help yourself by helping others. This could be as basic as remembering the "forgotten" people with a cheery blooming violet, a plate of cookies or a sincere "how are you today."
2. See the best. Let the last of the housework or lawn trimming go, and enjoy yourself. A vase full of Orchids, Lilies, or Roses will go a long way to improving your holiday spirit.
3. Take moments for yourself. It's OK to stand still for a minute and just breathe. A few blooms in the room you spend the most time in will help you be more compassionate at work and in your daily life-- choose electric blue Volkenfreidan for a bright blast of color, or Paperwhite Narcissus for good smells
4. Let the kids help. Yeah, it takes longer, but what an opportunity to share your life skills-- let them see how you talk yourself into a better place, let them be a part of your kindness and goodwill toward all. Let them choose the holiday flowers for the neighbors, or their teacher, and let it be their choice, even if they choose something you don't care for-- make sure you talk about budget before turning them loose.
5. Talk yourself up. Choose one aspect of yourself or your life that you really, really like; and when things get tough today, remind yourself of that one thing. It's OK to toot your own horn, and whatever good you can cling to for the day will improve your mood. So will the last bunch of bi-colored sunflowers-- their warm yellow and red will help you remember that the sun will soon return.
Each of us has gifts to share. Ours happens to be making beautiful things-- yours may be different. But don't discount your talents, just because they're not the same as someone else's. You don't know who counts on seeing your cheery smile every morning, or who looks forward to your sense of humor. Just do your best to see the world in a better place, and we all will be. Happy Holidays, everyone.
Take time to smell the flowers
It's easy to get wrapped up (no pun intended) in all the parties and pressures of the winter holiday season. Take a moment and find some eye candy for yourself-- head to your florists' for a few moments of beauty. It will make a world of difference, trust me!
Right now, there's a myriad of red and white blooms available-- everything from anemones & alstromeria to waxflowers and yarrow. Don't despair, though, if another color is your favorite-- hot pinks can be stunning-- look for Ravel roses, which smell divine: and the yellow Gerbera are saturated with color. There is even an electric blue delphinium right now, "Volkenfreidan" which is one of the only delphiniums that doesn't start shedding after just a few days.
The latest studies from Rutgers, Texas A&M, and Harvard Universities have all shown that flowers in the room you spend the most time in, decrease anxieties, act as a calming agent, and improve moods-- after only a few days! You really owe it to yourself and your loved ones, to feel as good as you can-- and a stem or two of flowers is an easy, quick, fun fix. I am in the business, so of course I want to sell flowers. BUT in 35 years, I have seen the effects of Flower Power on even the most ill or depressed person, and they are astounding. But don't believe me. Try it yourself. (of course, I am not advocating shopping beyond your means-- if what you can afford to do is go to your florists and look, then just do that. You will feel better for it) And when we all feel good, the world is a better place.
The Color Institute and Christmas Trends
Every year, the Pantone Color Institute ( and other groups) come up with the color trends in everything-- home decor, fashion, even Christmas themes. So for those of you who pay attention to those people instead of choosing what YOU like, here are our best suggestions for Christmas 2009:
1. RIOT of RED-- Saturated red without the complementary shades of green. Our favorites are Ilex, also known as winterberry; Amaryllis; Roses; and Carnations.
2. WOODLAND-- A neutral theme to be sure, with wood and bark, branches, and cones. We love Curly Willow in yellow; Magnolia leaves with their coppery brown reverse; Chocolate roses of any variety, but Moreno being especially lovely; and Pinon cones.
3. WINTERGREEN-- Softer greens, creams and naturals dominate this palette, with an emphasis on reclaimed glass and distressed finishes. Our fav flower has to be Green Goddess Calla Lilies-- doesn't their name make you want to rush out and plan an all girl get together at the next full moon? Vendela roses would also look nice with this theme, or Green Cymbidium Orchids.
4. ESTATE-- Does this theme make you think of vintage jewelry, Mercury glass, fur & feather trims and soft pink? Narcissus, Sweet Akito (soft pink) roses, and White Hydrangeas would be our choice for this palette
5. CANDYLAND-- the name says it all. For folks who love the crisp combination of red and white together, we suggest Peppermint Carnations; Striped Amaryllis; and the myriad of bi-colored Roses.
6. COFFEE SHOP-- America's obsession with chocolate has an outlet! Manufacturers are producing food shaped ornaments for the tree and elsewhere-- the doughnuts, chocolates, cookies and cakes look real. If this coppery brown look is appealing to you, we'd suggest Hypericum, Chocolate Cymbidium Orchids, and evergreens with the cones still attached.
7. AMERICANA-- this theme is characterized by deep reds, faded blues and off whites. True red Pointsettias, Blue Hydrangeas, & Cream Gerbera daisies look great with these hues.
8. RETRO TECHNO-- features a vibrant cacaphony of color, geared toward the Facebook generation. Brilliant color, and lots of it along with retro icons in subdued modern hues. Flowers for this palette could be anything, and everything! Lime green Hypericum with Orange Gerbera Daisies; Hot Pink & Yellow Gloriosa Lilies; Lime Green & Fucshia Cattaleya Orchids, the possibilities are endless!
There you have it-- 8 great themes, and surely at least one will appeal to you. It's a gentle shifting -- you incorporate into your current decorations, kind of editing your collection, to come up with a look that fits you.
The perfect Hostess gift
This party season, fresh flowers make the perfect hostess gift: they're easy for you to take with you, easy for the hostess to deal with at the party, and personalized for the recipient. So consider these points when choosing your hostess gift:
1. If you insist on giving cut flowers, send them to the hostess the day BEFORE the party. Then she has time to choose her vase and do her arranging in a more relaxed fashion.
2. Choose a plant only if you know s/he likes them, and has the time to take care of them.
3. Be a sport! Choose an inexpensive vase so that the hostess doesn't have to drop everything else she's doing to take proper care of your flowers in the middle of the party.
The actual choosing of the flowers should take into consideration the hostess' personal style, the type of party, and your budget. Choose your flowers based on what you think the hostess would like-- this is about thanking her, rather than what YOU prefer. If you know she loves iris, send them-- even if you think they're ugly. The only time you should choose what you like over what the hostess likes is if you are only so slightly acquainted that you have no idea of her tastes. In that case, lean towards the seasonal. At Christmas time, send red, white and green if you don't know your hostess well. Evergreens smell divine, and there is a broad selection of fresh product available in red and white. If your budget allows, take stalks of red or white amaryllis in a clear vase with cedar. Or white hydrangeas in a red vase. Red and white gerbera daisies also make a bold splash of color, and are moderately priced. If budget is a big issue, choose less expensive flowers like Alstromeria, Carnations, or white Spider mums, and get as many of just one kind as you can afford, for impact.
A fresh gift is always charming, and with a little thought, you will soon get the reputation of being the perfect party guest-- if you also work on your manners :)
(flowers only covered in these posts, see Miss Manners or Emily Post for party behavior).
comments? Questions? want to see a certain topic covered, leave a note in the comments box.
Greens for the season
One advantage of winter greens is that they last pretty much until you're sick of them. It's easy, if you do a little planning first, to use your greens for several weeks, and change the flowers as they mature. This means you can create a new look as well.
So start with the evergreens you like best-- the Pines have such a nice line, and because of their high pitch content, smell good the longest. Cedar has a nice drape-- avoid the incense cedar if anyone in your household has asthma or is pollen sensitive. And Fir fills the spaces well. There are many different evergreens, and most will do well inside-- they're called evergreens, because they don't truly go dormant and lose leaves or needles with changes in weather, so don't limit yourself to the "traditional" ones.
Hydrate in a bucket for a few hours before arranging-- some pitch will bleed into the water, making it grey or yellow. Make sure your chosen container is spotlessly clean. Clear vases will show the ongoing pitch discoloration, so plan on changing the water often. Colored glass will disguise that, but remember for the health of your flowers to change the water! If you are using floral foam, soak according to directions ( yes, there really is a top and bottom). If you are reusing your greens over several weeks, plan on using a new piece of foam for every arrangement. Old foam has holes from old stems-- if you stick a new stem in, and it's not exactly the same length, or goes across an old hole, the space left there will make it harder for the new stem to draw water-- and your flowers won't last as long.
Every time you change the water, you do need to recut the stems so the flowers and foliage will continue to draw water-- so start a little longer than you want the final bouquet to be. With a little practice, you will figure out how long to start. If you have access to evergreens in your yard or that you can gather for free, the possibilities are unlimited.
Those marvelous winter greens
Of course, I'm talking about evergreens-- Cedar, Pine, and Fir. Some people really love juniper, but I've found it's best for making gin. Juniper berries and needles have a very pungent odor that reminds a lot of people of mis-behaving cats.
The other evergreens, however, have that wonderful fresh smell; and if you treat them well, they'll last for the season. They're really thirsty inside since inside is usually quite a few degrees warmer than their natural environment, so make sure you make a fresh cut on the stems, and hydrate thoroughly. They'll do best if you keep them in water and keep the water clean-- but if you hydrate adequately, they'll look nice on your mantle for a week or two before drying out-- and if people play football in the living room, they degrade really fast! If you're using candles, definitely keep the greens in water-- fire hazard, you know.
If you're planning on cutting them yourself, look for boughs that are evenly spaced, and solid green needles-- no yellow or brown. To be kind to the standing tree, cut at the joints-- this will encourage branching next season. To be kind to yourself, wear gloves, and follow local regulations. If you're unsure where you can harvest, check with your local parks and rec department-- if they don't handle that, they can probably refer you ( Here in Alaska, you must cut 8 or more feet from the public roadway; stay out of the national parks; and if you're planning on selling your product, you better have a permit)
If you're buying boughs from a florist, look for greens that are even throughout the bough, clean stems, and pliable branches. Some Cedars are actually a 2-tone green, but again, the pattern should be consistent. The clean stems help your water stay fresh. Some perfectly fine product has dirt or debris on the stems, and it just means more work for you to prepare the branches for your arrangement. As with other floral materials, remove all the greens from the water line-- yes, I really do mean ALL the needles, no matter how tiny they are-- if it's green, there's chlorophyll present, the easier it is to attract bacteria, which means less life for your flowers, and more mess for you.
Finally, check container daily, keep full of clean water, and if it gets cloudy, grey or yellow, wash vase, fill with clean water, recut stems, and start all over. Happy holidays, everyone.