Thursday, January 27, 2011

Top 10 Reasons...


With Valentine's Day around the corner...along with just every day living and no better reason for giving flowers than...Just Because... I am posting the -Top Ten Reasons to Order from a "Real" Local Florist

1. Ensure Maximum Value--We want you to get the most bang for the buck- we really do.
Save on extra service fees by cutting out the middleman.

2. Speak Directly To The Florist Who Is Filling Your Order- a HUGE benefit. They know what's actually in stock in their shop. You don't have to settle for the basics on a website.
Find out what flowers and plants are in stock, what looks particularly good, or whether any blooming plants may be planted outdoors later.
Have a custom design created to your specifications...the BEST reason. Let a talented florist be creative.

3. Communicate Special Requests Directly
Does the recipient have any favorite flowers? Any dislikes?
Should the recipient be called prior to delivery?
Is the recipient hard of hearing, or slow answering the door?
Is one entrance better than another?

4. Select Additional Gift Items
Many flower shops also carry unique gift lines, such as candy, plush animals or candles, which can be added to your order or sent independently.

5. Get Same-Day Delivery - If Possible
By phoning the local florist directly, find out if same-day delivery is possible. Calling early improves the chances.

6. Pay Accurate and Appropriate Delivery Charges - No More, No Less
Pay the right local delivery fee without having it deducted from the value of your order.***If for no other reason, this is the biggest reason- Wire orders with the 1-800 companies add a service fee/charge which most customers think is the delivery charge- it isn't. This service fee is kept by the 1-800 company. YOUR delivery fee comes out of the amount you thought was going towards the number listed for the flowers.
A delivery to a location close to the shop may not cost as much as one farther away. Only the local florist knows.
Some locations, such as gated communities or certain businesses may require an additional charge.

7. Familiarity With Local Delivery Regulations
Hospitals, funeral homes, schools and businesses may have delivery cut-off times or size limitations.
Hospitals in particular often limit the size, quantity, or types of balloons that can be delivered.

8. Familiarity With Local Funeral Customs
In some areas a standing spray of flowers is customary, while in others a basket of flowers is most appropriate.
In smaller towns, a local florist may know what has already been ordered or sent to the funeral, and can then help you choose something different.

9. Establish A Relationship With The Flower Shop For Future Orders- We definitely have many 'former wire' clients who 'found' us and now call us direct to place an order, get personalized service and more value for their money.
Join a mailing list for email newsletters or seasonal offers.
Many shops offer a reminder service for sending flowers at special occasions.

Only nine reasons, you ask? The tenth is simple and universal:
10. Everyone Loves To Receive Flowers!

Research conducted by Rutgers University and the Society of American Florists indicates that flowers have an immediate impact on the happiness of the recipient, have a long-term positive effect on people's moods, and increase the connections among family and friends. Not only that, but a study by researchers at Texas A & M University shows that flowers and plants improve productivity, innovation, and creativity in the workplace.


I happened to run across the basics of this Top 10 list on the web. I felt it was important to add my two-cents [of course] and hope you'll spread the word the next time you want to send flowers across the country or world.

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Where have I been???



Imagine... Where have I been? Where am I going?
It is always my goal to be on top of things. To keep things under control. I like to lead not follow. I'd rather do things myself, than 'patiently' wait for someone to do something for me. If back in college, I would not do well on a group project. Especially if I know my grade depends on the contribution of other's.

Unfortunately, I have not been on top of blogging. I know it. Honestly, I thought I had blogged in December, but it's obvious I didn't. So, I stopped to think what the heck has kept me from blogging? Where have I been? How did I miss my goal of being on top of things? Let's see.. I was busy living things I imagined.

November and December are a blur to me. Truly. A. Blur!! We were blessed to be busy. Weddings, funerals, parties, and everything in between. My very handsome son got engaged to a sweet, smart 'Girlie Girl.' I'm so excited for them and look forward to Danielle becoming part of our family. I get to watch them as they plan their 'perfect day' with a date sometime next year.

And then, my birthday..un-eventful. ..which works for me.

Our 'Grace Darling' coming home from a semester in Italy..[Jessica and I secretly jealous] oh, the adventures we know she had.

My ever-so-lucky-daughter celebrating her birthday in Vegas. Will this be an annual event?? Vegas? And poof!! It's Christmas. Where did the time go?

Then a New Year. 2011. In a New Home. My husband and I found 'the house' and said, "be brave! Let's do it!" and we did. We spent the New Year in a new home. Strange, but a good strange. It's been a good adventure so far.

So, what does this have to do with my photo 'Imagine'? All of us imagined all of these things. An engagement. Traveling abroad. Celebrating a birthday with friends. Winning big. A dream home.

This year, I imagine myself on top of the blogging. I imagine gathering just the right happy people working together at Lavender Hill. Open, creative, supportive, fun, artistic people- working together on beautiful flowers for everyone's reason for needing them. I imagine working with some great photographers, getting me great shots from some really great weddings we have on our books. I imagine great parties for Derby. I also imagine an over the top wedding for my beautiful niece. She will start my month of July. My whole family together celebrating her big day AND my son's 25th birthday.

Also in July, I will find myself, not just Imagine myself, on a stage in San Francisco. Getting inducted into the American Institute of Floral Designers. It will be real. It will be official. I will get that gold pin and those four letters AIFD after my name. Something I have imagined for quite a while. I am so excited.

So, where have I been? It doesn't matter. As long as I'm here, living in the present. Because being in the present, truly is a Gift.