Make Someone Smile Week 2016

Last year through this initiative, we delivered over 25,000 Be Happy Bouquets to people who deserved a little something extra to smile about. This happy face mug filled with white and yellow daisies combined with yellow roses makes for a perfect surprise. We’re expecting to cheer up even more people this year once the celebrations get underway. Why? Because here at Teleflora, we love making people smile!

Here are a few ways that you can make your loved ones (or strangers) smile this week:

Send An Unexpected Flower Bouquet

Do you have a friend who’s just been through a breakup? Have a Be Happy Bouquet delivered to her apartment. Is your husband feeling restless at work? Send a Be Happy Bouquet to the office for him. These cute arrangements are sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, especially when they’re a surprise. If you aren’t able to send flowers, you can even send a simple “thinking of you” greeting card to your friends or family back home who you haven’t seen in awhile. The smallest gesture to let someone know that he or she is on your mind can be all it takes to make a smile.

Tell Someone How Much You Care

If you feel like your love has been going unspoken recently, it might be time to say how you are feeling. While you might think it is obvious how you feel, it can never hurt to remind that special someone out loud. Nobody ever gets tired of hearing that they’re loved or appreciated. Whether you say it to your partner when you wake up in the morning, or give your parents a call to tell them how great they are, make a point to verbally express those little feelings that are always considered common knowledge. Trust us, they’ll love to hear it.

Smile at a Stranger

A smile is the best thing you can catch from someone else. According to Psychology Today, a smile is actually contagious. When someone flashes you their pearly whites, in most cases, you automatically smile back at him or her. A small gesture like smiling at someone at work or on the train can brighten up a stranger’s mood. This is because smiling activates feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine, endorphins and serotonin in the brain. So go ahead, smile at everyone this week. Even if people think you’re being weird, they’ll get over it as soon as they try it and their smile starts sending happy messages to their brain.

Pass Out Compliments

Many people are hesitant to say something nice to someone they don’t know very well. However, have you ever been annoyed or put off by someone complimenting you? Didn’t think so! If you think your coworker did a good job on his presentation, tell him! If you think the woman in line in front of you is wearing a cute pair of shoes, let her know that you like them. Too often we spend our day in our own heads, only acknowledging the people we have to talk to. Not only will shelling out some compliments give you an excuse to interact, but you’ll also brighten up someone else’s day.

Check out our 2012 Make Someone Smile Week video to show how our local florists participate!

These are only a few ways to spread happiness this week. If you have some ideas, let us know! And don’t forget, you never know who might be falling in love with your smile…so show it off this week.

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6 Spring Break Ideas for the Whole Family

The holidays are long gone, but summer seems so far away, doesn’t it? Take heart; it’s almost time for spring break. If you’re planning a trip for you and your family, we can help. Below are six spring break ideas for a fun and inspirational time with the family (all prices are approximate and for a family of four):

1. North and South Carolina Flower Festivals (Varies)

North and South Carolina are one big stretch of beautiful flora come end of March and into April.

Visit Biltmore Estate (Asheville, North Carolina) during Biltmore Blooms (March 20-May 25). You’ll seedaffodils, hyacinths and every shade of tulip you’ve ever imagined. Save up to 25% OFF on Sympathy & Funeral Flowers. Get FTD coupon code 2016, Save Now!

The event isn’t just flowers though—enjoy wine tasting, top-tier restaurant dining and delectable desserts, as well as a tour of the beautiful grounds at this family-friendly venue. Admission is $49 for adults, $24.50 for youth.

Visit the Flowertown Festival in Summerville, South Carolina, for the long weekend of March 27-29. This event, hosted by the YMCA, features beautiful azaleas and wisteria in bright pink and purple. You’ll find food, kid’s activities, a farmers market. And the best part is admission and parking are free.

The Azalea Garden Tour (Wilmington, North Carolina) is a long-running, 13-garden tour. Though it’s only open for three days (April 10-12), it ranges from traditional gardens to modern landscapes to downright whimsical designs. Tickets are $25 and valid for all three days.

Spring Break branching into May? Check out the Orangeburg Festival of Roses (Orangeburg, South Carolina; May 1-3) or the Iris Festival (Sumter, South Carolina; May 22-24). Both festivals won’t disappoint.

2. Savannah, Georgia (2 nights, $1,600)

For the perfect mix of beach beauty and Southern charm, visit Savannah, Georgia. The average March temperature ranges from the mid-60s to mid-70s, and the beach on Tybee Island is just 20 minutes away. For lodging, book a vacation rental on a site like Airbnb.

During the day, tour the city’s historic district with Old Town Trolley Tours, visit stately mansions, walk on cobblestone streets and marvel at the moss-draped oaks overhead. Water enthusiasts can rent kayaks, relax on a riverboat cruise or watch for dolphins. Finish the day with a fresh fish dinner and live music.

3. Coast Starlight, Los Angeles to Seattle (1 night, $600-$1,600)

Consider a train trip on the Coast Starlight. This Amtrak route runs daily between Los Angeles and Seattle through some of the most beautiful and diverse scenery in North America. From the comfortable Sightseer Lounge Car, you and the family view miles of unadulterated forests, mountains and sparkling blue coastline.

The route also features wireless Internet and Amtrak’s classic dining car, where everybody can meet and talk with other travelers over a hot breakfast, lunch or dinner. Sleeper car passengers can choose to eat or lounge in the plush Parlour Car (meals included), or watch a movie in the theater below. For a less expensive option, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard and pay for your roomette with bonus points.

4. Denver, Colorado (3 nights, $3,000)

For an active family, a late-season ski trip in the Rocky Mountains might be just the right fit. Keystone Resort is an easy drive from Denver and offers many activities for the whole family including scenic sleigh rides, ice skating, hockey and tubing.

And when you tire of hitting the slopes, indulge in a facial or Swedish massage. Other renowned ski resorts nearby include Vail and Winter Park. Ask about discounts for children under 12 and bundled lift tickets for skiing at multiple resorts.

5. Valencia, Spain (5 nights, $6,000)

Craving something a little more international? Fly the whole family to Valencia, Spain, for the Fallas Festival(literally “The Fires”), a week-long celebration filled with fireworks, parades and gunpowder. All year, artisans labor to craft colorful, cartoon-like monuments made of plaster, wood, cardboard and paper-maché. After five days of festivities, the monuments (some many stories high) are burned to the ground on the streets of downtown Valencia.

If crowds and fire aren’t your thing, immerse yourself in Spanish history and culture during your stay by visiting Valencia Cathedral, Central Market or the historic Torres de Serranos. Wake up to a glass of fresh-squeezed Valencian orange juice, a flaky chocolate pastry and café con crema. Rent bicycles and ride along the beach. Enjoy mild evenings, Spanish-style, by shopping late and enjoying a light supper of tapas and, for Mom and Dad, sangria.

6. Home Sweet Home ($100)

Sometimes being a tourist in your hometown is all you need. Take a tour of your state capitol building or county courthouse. Browse coupon sites for deals on local amusement parks or music venues. Visit your local office of tourism for more ideas on where to go; think zoos, art museums, historic buildings and community theaters.

You could also hold an at-home movie marathon—catch up on all the previous “Star Wars” episodes, maybe?—or invite some friends over to play board games. Take the whole family to play laser tag or go camping in your own backyard (if weather permits, of course).

Don’t forget about Mom time, either. Just as spring break is drawing to a close, treat yourself to an at-home spa package, complete with lotion, bath salts and a massage roller.

Whatever you do, take advantage of your time off to make some memories. Happy spring break!

How to Buy and Arrange Flowers Like an Expert

Cut flower displays can brighten any home or workplace, and the type of display created can evoke a message: A small display of multi-coloured local flowers in a rustic container can give a homey feel, whereas some tall, majestic stems in an contemporary style glass vase can be a show of confidence and elegance in the office reception. Whatever style you want to create, there are some important tips to remember when buying cut flowers that will ensure your displays stay looking their best for as long as possible.

Bouquet

Buying Your Flowers:

Cut flowers can be purchased in a multitude of places, such as gas stations, grocery stores, roadside stalls as well as the usual florist shops, ex FTD.com, Teleflora.com, etc. Take into consideration the length of time the flowers have taken from being cut to being on display; although some of the cheapest may be found in grocery stores or have the convenience of being sold at gas stations, if these are sold in pre-prepared bouquets there is more probability that these flowers were cut and prepared a while ago and that they will not be at their freshest.

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Buy in season.

Flowers that are in season are likely to be the freshest. Out-of-season varieties may have been imported from elsewhere and the journey time between being cut, transported and displayed will be longer. In-season choices tend also to be cheaper, being more in abundance, and without the import costs.

Examine the flowers.

Look at the stems. If the stems are unbroken and have clean, healthy looking ends with a strong colour, they are still at their peak, but if the ends look faded, slimy or mushy, then they are not healthy specimens. Bacteria in the water can damage the stems, and will travel up them, weakening and damaging the leaves and heads of the flowers and inhibiting the ability to take up water.

Stems

Look at the water in the container.

Is it fresh and clear in appearance? If the water is murky and smells stagnant, it is full of bacteria which attack and starve the flowers of nutrients and promote their decay. Leaves submerged or floating in the water will also encourage bacterial growth.

Check the leaves.

Leaves should have a strong colour and should not drooping from the stems. Any discolouration—such as turning brown or yellow, or becoming speckled—may indicate infection, and leaves with holes or bits missing may have succumbed to attack from insects. A pest infestation will weaken the flowers and speed up their decline as well as affecting their appearance.

Check the flower heads.

The petals should have a defined colour and be soft, but also dry and firm to touch. Avoid buying if the petals are moist, fading in colour, turning brown or dropping off. Choose flowers with buds that are just about to open; they will unfurl and flower in the vase, and will continue to look their best for longer, compared to a bunch that is already in full bloom.

Flower heads

Arranging Your Flowers

Water And Feed.

First, fill the vase with cool or lukewarm water with added flower food. Most foods contain an anti-bacterial agent, but otherwise a small amount of bleach, lemon juice or vinegar can be added and will create a slight increase in acidity, which will inhibit bacterial growth.

Cutting The Stems.

If possible avoid using scissors to cut the stems. Often these are not sharp enough, and the action of the blades can crush the stems. Ideally use pruning shears or a floral knife. Cut at a 45 degree angle to maximise the openings to allow water absorption. Remove any leaves that will fall below the waterline.

Searing The Stems.

Searing the ends of the stems will force the air out of the stems, seal the cut, and preserve mositure. Place about 10% of the end of the stems in boiling hot water for about 30 seconds for soft stems or until the water becomes lukewarm for tougher stems. Be careful to protect the heads of the flowers from the steam by wrapping them loosely in brown paper. When ready, cut the ends again before arranging.

Display.

For the display, consider the type of presentation you would like to create. Do you want something dramatic, or something cheerful and colourful? A bouquet that promotes calm, or a dazzling display of riotous colour? The two main aspects of flower arranging are colour and shape.

Arranging flowers

Colour.

For most displays, stick to between one to three hues, unless you are intending on a wild, carefree display. For more visual impact with a sense of order, arrange different flowers of the same colour together. To create a good back drop that will enhance the colours, add foliage to the display: vibrant or deep green will enhance the tones of the flowers.

Shape.

The best way to create shape is to use a criss-cross grid in the vase, which maintains the shape and structure of the display. Add foliage first, and then the flowers. For large-stemmed flowers, put one per square, and for small dedicate flowers, a bunch in each will ensure a well-filled arrangement. A simple but impacting display uses a narrow-necked vase or container with a single stemmed flower.

Stability.

To maintain the structure of the display, use clear rubber bands to hold groups of stems together. The best place to position is these is at a point on the stems where they enter the water. This will prevent them being easily visible.

Finally, these tips will help you create a good visual arrangement, but there are no rights and wrongs, so choose what you want from your bouquet, and let your own style be reflected in your display.

Source: lifehack.org

How to Choose Flowers for Your Wedding Day

A wedding would just not be the same without flowers. Every bride wants her wedding to be memorable and her choice of flowers or arrangements should reflect her specific taste and personality. Her flowers should create a theme to make her wedding day special and provide the finishing touch to this very special day.

Steps

1. 
   1
   Understand that there are no right or wrong choices when selecting flowers for your wedding. It is your own personal choice, as your own preferences are the most important part, as well as having a basic understanding of what works well for the theme you've chosen and your budget. You can also expect a good florist to provide you with helpful advice, so be prepared to ask plenty of questions and to run ideas past your florist once you reach that stage. Some basics to grasp before getting into the details include:

   • Remember that less is more. Flowers are the splash of color, the ornamentation on top of many other already beautiful parts of a wedding.
   • Good positioning and use of inexpensive foliage can create the sense that you have more floral arrangements than you actually do.
   • Your florist must share your vision, or it's time to find one who does.

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2. 
   2
   Start by looking through bridal magazines, books, and even gardening books that focus on flowers. If you don't already have an idea of the types of flowers you'd like to have, simply looking at beautifully photographed flowers can be a lovely way to start getting an idea of what you like. Even consider taking a tour of a local Botanical Garden or a greenhouse where flowers are on display, to get a real feel for how the flowers appear.

   • Learn the different meanings of the flowers so that this can play a part in your decision; you might want to express certain sentiments through the "language of flowers". Read How to express yourself using the language of flowers to find the meanings of flowers with accompanying images.
   • There are some classic wedding flowers with which you can't go wrong. They are: roses, peony, lily of the valley, hydrangea, orchid, and calla lily. This doesn't mean you must have any of these flowers but it can help you when deciding to know that these classics are sound choices.
3. 
   3
   Determine your budget. Before you get too excited, do the sums. Some floral arrangements might not be realistic once you have budgeted for everything else, so it's a good idea to know how much you have to spend on flowers before getting your hopes up. When you visit the florist, you can discuss the extent of your budget and work from there. It's a good idea to keep some flowers on your "must-have" list and some on your "wish-list", so that if you do have to pare down, the wish-list flowers can go first without depleting the flowers that you must have. See the "Tips" below for an indication of essential flowers versus nice-but-not-necessary ones, if the budget can't stretch that far.

   • Be prepared to be more creative if you're on a budget.
   • Don't hedge around the cost with your florist. Be honest if you can't afford much; it'll help your florist look for cheaper but just as lovely alternatives early on.
   • Use expensive flowers sparingly, such as for the bridal bouquet only.
   • Centerpieces soon add up. Consider finding less elaborate centerpieces to reduce the costs if your budget is tight.
   • Feel free to mix and match flower types and to raid the garden as well. All flowers are beautiful, whether they're cheap or expensive; the important thing is freshness and a price you can afford.
   • Use fragrant flowers to give the impression that there are more flowers; stronger smelling flowers will perfume a room with ease (for example, frangipani, lilies, hyacinths, jasmine, and sweet peas).
4. 
   4
   Consider the color of the flowers. Color is an important part of your decision about which flowers to have. The colors chosen should complement the bridal gown, the wedding theme, and the clothing of the rest of the bridal party. Colors chosen according to the seasonal availability will allow you the greatest impact for the smaller price, as seasonal flowers will always cost less. When thinking about color, consider what the flowers have to contend with in the room, marquee, or outdoor area where they're located and be sure to choose colors that will stand out. Some of the more popular flowers by color choice include:

   • White: rose, sweet pea, camellia, stephanotis, narcissus, gardenia, orchid, lily of the valley, jasmine, and snowdrop.
   • Pink: rose, ranunculus, peony, sweet pea, carnation, tulip, protea, boronia, and lily.
   • Lavender: lavender, lilac, anemone, statice, iris, delphinium, and hydrangea.
   • Yellow: daffodil, sunflower, tulip, gerbera, lily, and freesia.
   • Red: gerbera, rose, dahlia, poinsettia, and amaryllis.
5. 

   
   5
   Consider the season. The season plays an important role in your choice, especially if you're budget-conscious. While non-seasonal flowers can be flown in, this increases the cost and complexity considerably. And if you're into locally grown produce, it's hardly appropriate to have flowers flown in! Some of the more well-known, popular flowers are indicated alongside their season here (noting that there may be regional and climate variances depending on where you live in the world):

   • Spring flowers: amaryllis, anemone, daffodil, freesia, gerbera, lily of the valley, orchid, ranunculus, stephanotis, and sweet pea.
   • Summer flowers: anthurium, carnation, chrysanthemum, gypsophila, lily, magnolia, peony, rose, and sunflower.
   • Autumn/fall flowers: agapanthus, aster, clematis, daisy, hosta, hydrangea, passion flower, and pinks.
   • Winter flowers: camellia, euphorbia, iris, nerine, pansy, poinsettia, snowdrop, tulip.
   • All year round flowers: calla lily, carnation, gypsophila, orchid, protea, rose, and tulip (although this list may vary by region).
6. 
   6
   Think about where you want flowers to play a role in your wedding. Wedding flowers can be simple or elaborate depending on the type of wedding that is being planned. Either way, they should have a look of individuality and look as if they have all been specially created for the bride. Flowers are suitable for the following places and arrangements:

   • The bridal bouquet, and bouquets for the wedding party members (see below).
   • Flowers for the church or other place of marriage); flowers can be placed at the end of pews, on the altar, chancel steps, windowsills, around candelabra etc. Floral displays in most churches need to be large to be effective in the huge space of the church; if you have a tight budget, in some cases, you might even share the cost of the flowers in a church wedding if there is another wedding on the same day; that's totally up to your preferences though). Note that some clergy will oppose decoration of the altar.
   • A register or registry office building or town hall may be less willing to have your own flowers but it's worth asking if you can bring in one special arrangement of your own.
   • A decorated bridal arch or arbor.
   • A carpet of fresh petals for an outside wedding.
   • Tables at a sit-down dinner.
   • Flowers around a hall, marquee, dance area for the reception.
7. 
   7
   Start with the bridal bouquet. This is the most intimate floral arrangement for the wedding and if you can't afford many flowers, at least don't skimp on the bouquet! The bride's bouquet should be the largest and most spectacular bouquet in the wedding party. White is still traditionally the most popular color for the bride's bouquet, but many different colors are used in weddings today for the bride and bridesmaids from soft pastels such as pale pink through to rich, vibrant colors such as hot pink, burgundy andviolets. Ultimately, the choice of flowers for the bouquet depend on what you want, the style of your dress, your height and your wedding theme. It is recommended that you don't finalize the bouquet until you have chosen your dress, because the two must match perfectly, and usually the larger the dress, the larger the bouquet.

   • There are various styles of bouquets. These include round, trailer, sheaf, crescent, line, and cascade bouquets:
     • Round bouquets are a popular choice for many brides. This style is usually used for large flowers such as roses or peonies, loosely arranged with foliage and tied with a ribbon.
     • Large trailing bouquets (a cascade) are particularly suited to romantic style wedding gowns. They will only work well with larger dresses though; they overpower anything slinky or close-fitting. These usually consist of flowers wired to a handle; it is both the most traditional and most formal form of bouquet shapes.
     • Tied bouquets are hand tied casually or wound together with wire. This style goes best with a modern, simple dress at a contemporary wedding.
     • A posy is a minimalist approach that is very small and usually hand-tied with ribbon; lily of the valley is an ideal flower for this type of bouquet.
     • A pomander bouquet is usually made without the addition of foliage and it can be suspended on a ribbon for the bride to wear on her wrist.
     • An elegant line bouquet of lilies is a good choice for a slim-fitting gown.
     • A modern style bouquet made of exotic flowers and tropical foliage will suit the contemporary bride.
   • Consider additional embellishments to a bouquet:
     • Pearls and crystals can be incorporated into bouquets for a touch of added glamour.
     • For a delicate touch sheer organza ribbon can be used to create ribbon bows and long streamers.
     • Wide satin ribbon will give a rich, luxurious look.
8. 
   8
   Decide upon the bridesmaids' bouquets. The bridesmaids' flowers can be a smaller version of the brides flowers or a different shape but still maintaining the color theme. If the bride is carrying a trailing bouquet the bridesmaids could carry round bouquets. Each of the bouquets can be the same color as the brides bouquet. If you do select a different color, ensure that it blends well with the bridal bouquet and the overallwedding color theme. Ultimately, aim for good coordination.

   • To give a different look, the bridesmaids could carry elegant evening bags filled with flowers. The bag would need to be lined with a piece of plastic to prevent staining the inside of the bag. A piece of soaked florist foam can be placed in the bag and the flowers and foliage arranged in the foam to extend gracefully from the top of the bag.
9. 
   9
   Decide upon the style of the flower girl's flowers. This daintiest member of the wedding party could carry a small basket of flowers to match the bridesmaids' flowers. The basket can be sprayed white or a pastel shade. Another alternative is to attach a spray of flowers to a piece of ribbon and tie it around the flower girl's wrist, tying the ribbon ends in a bow with long ends. This is particularly suitable for a very young flower girl who may find a basket awkward to carry.

   • One delightful variation is to just give the flower girl rose or other petals in her basket and to ask her to scatter the flowers down the aisle. Naturally, clear this with the wedding officiant and/or building owner first.
   • Consider a floral bracelet and/or a floral hair ornament to adorn the flower girl. A floral wreath that sits on the hair like a fairy or nymph is another pretty variation. She'll be super delighted with these special touches.
   • Consider giving flower girls under 5 a teddy bear or other soft toy with its own corsage. The soft toy can be kept afterward as a thank-you gift.
10. 
    10
    Prepare the bridegroom and groomsmen. Although their need for flowers is less showy, it's just as important, and they will wear a buttonhole/boutonniere. For the groom, provide something that has a slight difference from the buttonholes for the groomsmen – such as a single flower that is the same as one in the bridal bouquet. Flowers that are popular for buttonholes include roses, carnations, orchids, and small varieties of lily. Lily of the valley is popular for buttonholes because it is an expensive flower but goes a long way in a buttonhole.

    • Consider giving the father of the bride ad groom a special buttonhole of their own.
    • If you have the budget and the inclination, you could also leave buttonholes in a dish for all guests to take as they enter the church or area where you're getting married.
11. 
    11
    Prepare the corsages. Both the mother of the bride and the mother of the groom wear corsages. These should complement their outfits. The standard corsage flowers include roses, orchids, camellias, and gardenias.

    • Often grandmothers and special aunts will wear corsages too.
    • It is helpful to know the color of the dresses of those wearing corsages, to ensure that the colors will not clash – white or cream is always a safe, neutral choice.
12. 
    12
    Finished.

Tips

• Essential wedding flowers are: bridal bouquet, grooms' buttonhole, bridesmaids' posies, corsages, ceremony arrangement (sometimes at the altar), table centerpieces, and thank-you bouquets.
• Flowers provide the finishing touch to a wedding; by choosing flowers to complement your wedding theme it will give you wonderful memories to treasure for a lifetime.
• Red in China and some other Asian cultures is seen as a bridal color that brings especially good luck. Red flowers could be a beautiful way to incorporate this custom into a more traditional Western wedding.
• Not essential wedding flowers (but nice if the budget permits): guest buttonholes or corsages, pew end arrangements, church entrance, petal confetti, reception entrance/hallways, cake table, other areas.
• Some brides use a freeze-dried bouquet. This lasts forever, so can be a nice option. Or, you may get this done after the ceremony.
• For a low-budget, earth-centered wedding or a Ren faire style wedding, local wildflowers gathered in season can be a spectacular theme including flower circlets for the women in the ceremony or for everyone in the ceremony.
• Handmade art flowers such as beaded flowers, origami flowers and other crafts flowers are another way a bride can have a forever bouquet and/or decorations made from the heart that become keepsakes. If your friends aren't crafty, consider shopping online and offline crafts markets to give your wedding this feel. Cost is reasonable to free depending on whether they're bought or created by friends.

Warnings

• Be aware that some guests can have very strong allergies to certain flowers, especially hyacinths. Ask your florist if you are unsure whether the flowers you like are "safe" for everyone. Some plants are also toxic if ingested. Keep that in mind when decorating for a wedding with small children attending.
• Planning a wedding can be stressful. By working out the style and colors of your wedding flowers ahead of time will help you work to an overall theme to have the wedding of your dreams.