Hello, Sunshine: 9 Facts About Sunflowers

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow. It’s what sunflowers do.” ― Helen Keller

Sunflowers, a natural emblem of sunshine, are beautiful and happy flowers emanating with healing powers to uplift and inspire. A sunflower arrangement conveys joy and optimism throughout the tall and vibrantly yellow blooms. Along with cheery and ebullient energy, sunflowers are also plants with an interesting background and a myriad of health benefits. Here are some facts you might not have know about this flowering plant loved for its cheerfulness.
 
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Sunflower Oil for Cooking

In moderation, sunflower oil serves as a healthy source of fat, provides vitamin E and is low in saturated fatty acids. Cooking with sunflower oil can lower your risk of heart disease, help maintain a healthy weight and strengthen your immune system. Naturally free of trans fats, sunflower oil is even a healthy substitute for butter (especially for baking homemade bread).

Sunflower Oil for Beauty

Sunflowers are rich in vitamins A, B, C and E. Not only is the sunflower amazing for the skin, but it contains powerful anti-aging properties that fight off free radicals for a toned and glowing complexion. Sunflower oil is a strong emollient that keeps hair moisturized and looking radiant.

Heliotropism

Heliotropism is like solar tracking (also called phototropism), which enhances photosynthesis and boosts growth rates. With its sun-tracking characteristics, sunflowers are one plant species that face the sun and track its movement to optimize the use of light. Heliotropism also increases the flower’s temperature, attracting bees and pollinators.

Habitat

Sunflowers bloom as bright rays of sunshine during the summer months in dry, wide-open environments. The sunflower’s native environments are prairielands, plains and meadows. The bright yellow plant may also grow as a weed in farming fields and pastures. They often grow along highway routes, speculated to be planted by truckers who eat the sunflower seeds to stay awake on the road and spit them from their windows.

Record Height

Giant sunflowers can grow to reach amazing heights. With adequate care and moisture, along with full sun exposure, sunflowers typically grow to be an average height of 10 to 20 feet. The tallest sunflower in the world was measured at 30 feet and 1 inch. It was grown in Karst, Nordrhein Westfalen, Germany, on August 28, 2014, according to GuinnessWorldRecords.com.

Preservation

Sunflowers bloom gorgeously and naturally make delightful aesthetics for floral craft projects, especially because their coloring varies from yellow and deep red to pale and dark orange. GardeningGuides.com provides a step-by-step guide for how to dry sunflowers using silica gel and crystals. Preserved flowers can be framed with other pressed flowers as a charming decoration with a vintage look.

American-Indian Origins

American Indian tribes cultivated sunflowers as a common crop throughout North America. Evidence suggests that American Indians grew the crop in present-day Arizona and New Mexico around 3000 BC ― and may have even been domesticated before corn, informs the National Sunflower Association. Sunflower seeds were grounded into flour for cooking and mixed with vegetables. The sunflower was also turned into purple dye for textiles and body painting.

Sunflower Seeds

Black and stripe seeds are the only two kinds of sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil is made from black seeds (oilseed), whereas healthy snacks are made from striped seeds (non-oilseed). Black oilseed is typically the preferred type of feed for birds.

Source of Nutrition

Sunflowers produce nutrient-dense seeds, an excellent source of beneficial fats, protein, vitamins and minerals. Salted, dry-roasted sunflower seeds, rich in the antioxidant vitamin E, are eaten as part of a healthy diet. Seeds can also be raw dried, oil roasted or unsalted, dry-roasted. Other forms of sunflower seeds include ground sunflower seed butter and sunflower seed flour. Add sunflower seeds to chicken or tuna salad, mixed-green salads or even scrambled eggs to add unique flavor.

Father’s Day: Host a Backyard BBQ for Dad

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My husband agrees that the best Father’s Day gift is time with his family, and also baby back ribs, but mostly the gift of time. So why not combine both? Planning a Father’s Day barbeque doesn’t have to be fancy or complicated. Putting together some simple but delicious food with a few fun decorations can make the occasion feel festive. The gourmet gift baskets from FTD come with ingredients that can be used alone or mixed into recipes to make this year’s barbeque the best yet! FTD offers 10% OFF Sitewide. Automatically Applied!!! Check out Ftd coupons june 2015 now


We all know the grill takes center stage at a barbeque, but adding in a few dad-themed decorations kicks it up a notch. Use a canvas drop cloth (the kind from the hardware store) as a tablecloth to create a base. Then, layer in greenery and accessories like lanterns to create some contrast. These food labels were made by sticking chalkboard tape onto burlap scraps and adding a twine handle so they don’t blow away. Birch coasters can be purchased at a craft store or if you’re lucky, cut from large branches from the yard. A cheese board elevates the food and makes it look extra special.



The Dean & Deluca Roasted Onion Ketchup makes a great cocktail sauce for shrimp when mixed with horseradish. You can buy the shrimp deveined and shelled to make prep even quicker. Or use it to dress up grilled shrimp. Easy and delicious!



These Nunes Farms Fancy Nuts make a tasty pairing for the rest of the food. The boxes also make them easy to stash in the snack drawer or car for when dad gets hungry!



Add them to small bowls or ramekins and place around the table so everyone has a quick snack within reach.



Mesquite and Stout Ale Mustard makes a quick dip for pretzels, and is a favorite appetizer while you wait for the food to grill. Go the extra mile and use it for soft pretzels — you won’t be disappointed! Also use it for topping burgers or to create a quick salad dressing when mixed with oil, vinegar and herbs.



Tins of spices  —  Barbeque Rub, Coarse Sea Salt and Four Pepper Blend  — can be used to flavor almost any meat before grilling. Just be sure to grind the peppercorns first. Throw some on your baby back ribs, mix into burgers, toss with oil and zucchini, or rub into your steak. The salt and pepper will be especially delicious on corn on the cob or try topping it with a pinch of the Barbeque Rub mixed with butter. Use the Roasted Ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to spice up a traditional barbeque sauce, and you’ve got an easy meal in the bag.
As for beverages, you can’t go wrong with (or picked a more perfect holiday for) Dad’s Root Beer. This is a beverage the whole family can enjoy! Plus, it doubles as dad-themed decor. Place it in a large bucket of ice to make it easy to grab and enjoy.



This Father’s Day, FTD makes it easy for you to fire up the grill and get the BBQ season off to a terrific start with its selection of gourmet gift baskets. The gift of time together, root beer and baby back ribs rolled into one? Perfection!

Father’s Day Gifts for Every Dad

Regardless of a woman’s age, there’s no one who knows her quite like dad. He’s the man every daughter can count on for his words of wisdom, his countless goofy jokes and his unconditional love and support. Whether it’s a burnt taillight or a broken heart, dads have always been there to fix practically anything. On Sunday, June 21st, celebrate and honor dad with these Father’s Day gifts he will cherish and all the love he deserves.

Beer Lover

Give dad the true home brewing experience with the Mr. Beer Craft Collection Home Brewing System. The reusable equipment included in this kit will ensure he can create delicious microbrew ales at home for years to come. Add a Personalized Pewter Topped Beer Stein to his home brew gift so he can sit back and sip an ice cold beer that’ll (literally) have his name on it with your personalized touch.
They say the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Cook a meal with dad using recipes that call for beer. Beer-battered fish calls for a pale lager to give the firm, white fish a light and crisp battered coating. Or, three-chile beef chili with dark beer, coffee and bacon is rich, spicy and the ultimate savory.
If DIY libations aren’t dad’s thing, Dad’s Old Fashioned Root Beer should do the trick. The Nuts for Him gift is the perfect sweet and savory treat.

Dapper Dad

If dad is known to channel his inner Don Draper on a daily basis with his good looks and charm, celebrate him in style with a new watch or money clip. The Personalized Wood Valet from FTD is a luxury catch-all for his shiny things and daily pocket essentials. Add his monogrammed initials for an executive touch.
In true Don Draper style, treat dad to a bottle of his favorite scotch or whiskey. The Personalized Rocking Cocktail Glasses create a swirling motion to oxygenate the spirits when the glasses are set down. Pair with a cigar and dad will be in Mad Men heaven. Search for other personalized gift ideas from FTD. In addition, Check this Ftd flowers coupon for 20% OFF On The College Roses Collection For Dad Or Grad @ FTD.com!

DIY Dad

Most dads already have everything they need when it comes to tools, so they can sometimes be difficult to shop for in this category. If he’s notorious for fixing things around the house or when he comes to visit, a Leatherman Multi-Tool offers a whole lot of fix-it in the palm of his hand. Equipped with screwdrivers, wire cutters, a can opener, saws, scissors, and more, he can carry it around in his pocket to easily tackle any DIY task. Treat dad to a snack with the Chocolate Covered Potato Chips or the Nuts About Dad Father’s Day Tin while he tries out his new pocket tool.

Golf Dad

Dads love tee time. The Personalized Name Golf Balls are a pro choice and will remind him how much he is loved every time he steps up to the tee.
Join dad for some quality time on the green. Start the day off on the right foot and enjoy homemade pancakes using the farmhouse pancake mix from the Up & At ‘Em Breakfast Basket.

Team Dad

There’s no question about dads and sports.
Grab a football along with the California Delicious Feast of Gourmet Crate and head to a nearby park with dad. He will be reminded you’re his biggest fan as you two throw the ball back and forth. Pause for a break and enjoy California’s bounty in this artisan basket featuring four different varieties of Sonoma Jack cheese, Columbus salamis, roasted almonds and mixed fancy nuts. A variety of gift baskets can be found on FTD.

Gadget Dad

If dad is the type of guy that’s constantly glued to his smartphone or tablet, he’ll enjoy the convenience of the Nest Learning Thermostat. This self-programming thermostat system senses when you’re away to save energy. The app from his smartphone or tablet makes it easy to use and he can control the thermostat from virtually anywhere. He will also appreciate its potential to save up to 20 percent on his heating and cooling bill.

Foodie Father

For dads whose cooking abilities extend beyond the reaches of the BBQ grill, there are a few other great tools he can enjoy in the kitchen. The R. Murphy Wellfleet Oyster Knife will ensure he is ready to shuck during oyster season.
Treat him to a subscription for a Fruit-of-the-Month Club. The options are endless and can be carefully curated to his exact tastes and interests. He can slice them up on a Personalized Wooden Carving Board, which he can use for years to come.

Outdoorsy Dad

There’s no question that dads enjoy their time outdoors. A GoPro camera is great for a guy who loves to mountain bike or any other activity that involves being outside. He will be excited to share with you his latest adventure all caught on video.

Make sure he’s protected from the elements with a good SPF. This Kiehl’s Facial Moisturizer for Men with SPF 15 will keep his aging skin healthy and revitalized.

Source: ftd.com

4 Times to Send The Jardin Collection This Summer

Winter is finally starting to retreat and the summer sunshine is peeking through the clouds. The coming season brings ample time for relaxation, celebration and outdoor fun. From celebrating Independence Day to throwing neighborhood block parties and barbecues, the fun of summer is here. Celebrate the return of your favorite season with the Jardin Collection. Each Jardin bouquet features an arrangement of summer flowers styled in a decorative shabby-chic mason jar. Here’s four inspiring ideas on how to give the gift of summer flowers this season.

Send a Colorful Invitation

Summertime is the perfect time of year to host family barbeques and neighborhood get-togethers. For your next backyard bash, consider sending a symbol of summer along with your invitation. The Happy Homecomings Bouquet captures all of the joy of a summer afternoon. The hand-gathered orange sunflowers, spray roses and purple-colored statice pair nicely together. And the bouquet looks like it was handpicked from your personal garden. The bouquet includes a complimentary personalized message, so include your invitation and an RSVP.

Deliver a Patriotic Bouquet

Celebrate Independence Day with all of the pomp and circumstance this year, from fireworks and sparklers to barbecue fare and more. For friends and family that might live across the country, celebrate from afar and send a festive festoon right to their doorstep. The Ready for Fun Bouquet features bold pops of patriotic red and white blooms, perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July. Place the cheery bouquets in the dining room or on the outdoor deck or patio while celebrating the holiday. Use them as centerpieces on your picnic tables and offer them to guests to take home as a parting gift. After the mason jar has been cleaned and sanitized, your loved ones can sip sweet tea or lemonade from the iconic jar all summer long.

Send a Gift That Delights

People love receiving surprises on their birthday. This summer, send your closest friends and loved ones a gift right to their doorstep or to their office, for the ultimate birthday surprise. Farm fresh pink and purple lilies, asters, daisies and carnations are styled together in the Pretty in Pink and Purple Bouquet. The flowers are arranged in an adorable mason jar that gives the gift a more personalized touch. It’s a wonderful way to say happy birthday to the ones you love. If you find yourself getting swept up in all of the summertime fun and completely forgetting a birthday altogether, don’t worry. FTD’s same-day delivery service guarantees that your order will be delivered just in time. So you don’t have to send an embarrassing belated birthday card via snail mail. Redeem this FTD Flowers Coupon June 2015 and save up to 50% OFF on select Flowers & gifts at FTD! Shop now! 

Give a Back-to-School Surprise

All good things must come to an end, and as the summer season wraps up we must slowly get back into the routine of the school year. Consider welcoming your children’s teachers back to the classroom with a beautiful bouquet, a small reminder that summer was not too long ago and that you appreciate their work. The Sunflower Fields Grand Bouquet will make a grand addition to their desks. Hand-gathered mini sunflowers, playful white daisies and purple asters make for a sunny surprise and the mason jar vase adds just a touch of shabby chic to the elegant bouquet. Long after the flowers are gone, teachers can use the decorative mason jar as a pen and pencil holder or candy jar for their sweet treats.

4 Ways to Reuse Your Mason Jars

How adorable are flowers arranged in mason jars? When these flowers in jars arrived from FTD, I couldn’t wait to set them up on my dining table! The mix of daisies, petite purple flowers and sunflowers is a combination made for this season. Go through this FTD flowers coupon code and save $10 OFF Or More On Deals of The Week! Never miss such a chance to save on beautiful flowers!

These jars can be kept and re-purposed in a multitude of ways. Here are four creative and summer-focused ways to reuse those adorable Jardin collection jars!

Summer Bucket List

This idea is simple, and ideal for a family with kids, but could also be translated to summer date nights for couples! Come up with a list of activities you want to do with your family during the summer. Using these jars will provide a way to stay organized, and have a jar full of memories by the end of the season.

Materials:

• 2 Jardin Jars
• Popsicle Sticks or Tongue Depressors
• Paper and Tape
• Permanent Marker

Instructions:

1. Write out your family bucket list.
2. Copy one activity onto each stick.
3. Label the jars with “Do” and “Did.”
4. Place the sticks in the “Do” jar.
5. Choose one and go have a fun day with family or friends.
6. When you return, place that stick in the “Did” jar.

Mason Jar Desserts

Summer gatherings are often outdoors, and these jars are great for such events. Whether you want a classic dessert like banana pudding, a festive patriotic look with the berry trifle or something healthy and light like layers of fruit, you can’t go wrong with a layered dessert in a jar!

Materials:

• 3 Jardin Jars
• Banana Pudding Ingredients (use you favorite no-cook recipe)
• Berry Trifle Ingredients (pound or angel food cake, cut into cubes; fresh berries; whipped cream)
• Layered Fruit Salad (watermelon, cantaloupe, pineapple, berries, kiwi, mint)

Instructions:

1. Banana Pudding: Layer the ingredients in the jar, starting with the vanilla wafers, then banana, then the pudding mixture. Repeat layers as needed. Garnish with whipped cream, a vanilla wafer, and a dried banana chip.
2. Berry Trifle: Assemble the layers — cubed cake, then berries, then whipped cream. To achieve a red, white, and blue look, use blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries.
3. Fruit Salad: Pick fruit with contrasting colors and cut into slices or small cubes. Layer the fruit in the jar and garnish with a mint leaf.

Succulent Garden

Planting succulents in a mason jar is a combination of a modern, trendy plant and a rustic, homemade look. These would be perfect as a centerpiece for outdoor dining. Reusing the mason jars as a succulent garden is easy and inexpensive.

Materials:

• 3 Jardin Jars
• 3-5 Succulents ($2-4 each at a garden or home improvement store)
• Rocks or Pebbles
• Soil

Instructions:

1. Place 2 layers of rocks in the bottom of each jar.
2. Follow with soil (leave a few inches at the top of the jar).
3. Add 1-2 succulents to each jar.
4. Water lightly.
5. Place in a spot that allows plenty of sunlight.

Summer Essentials Gift Jars

Mason jars are a great vehicle for gifts and organized storage. These Summer Essentials jars can be used for a gift, or simply something to keep handy around the house. One is composed of snacks; one for summer sun protection and beauty; and one for refreshing infused water. These are perfect for spontaneous trips to the beach or pool.

Materials:

• 3 Jardin Jars
• Snacks (gum, granola bars, nuts, candy, crackers, etc.)
• Sun & Beauty (mini sunscreen, tanning lotion, makeup remover wipes, hair ties, nail polish)
• Infused Water (lemons, limes, straws, mint)

Instructions:

1. Group the related items together.
2. Place each group into a jar.
3. If using as a gift, tie a bow around the jar, or add a gift tag.

Those mason jars from the Jardin collection can be reused in such a wide variety of ways! Get creative and enjoy them throughout the summer.

Latest Ftd flowers coupon for Fathers Day 2015

Fathers day is coming. These are the Father's Day gifts & flowers that will help you celebrate the great man you know your dad is at Ftd.com. 

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Easy Steps on How to Dry Your Roses from Ftd.com's Blog

On Valentine’s Day almost one-fourth of the adult population buys flowers for someone special in their life, primarily roses.  Getting your roses and then watching them bloom is always amazing to see over the course of a week, but what to do you do when you want to enjoy your roses longer?  In a couple easy steps, you can dry out your roses so that you can continue to enjoy them for even longer. 

Step One: Gather Your Materials

Yep, it is as easy as it looks.  All you need is scissors, some string or burlap, and then your flowers!

Step Two: Prepare the Flowers

Trim all of the leaves off while leaving a centimeter or two of sturdy stem.  This way you can use the stems to rest the flower on while it hangs. In this example, I used a piece of burlap, the thicker material allows me to hang several roses at once!

Step Three: Hang the Flowers

Tie your string around a sturdy post or rod.  Here, I hung it on the post of a chair that is not used very often and won’t be disturbed while the roses dry out.

Once you tie the string or burlap, hang the roses using the stem that was left on.

Once the roses are dry they can be taken down, but be careful – the dried rose petals are very delicate!

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Source: https://ftd.com/blog