First Come Flowers

The 5 Fatal "I'm Sorry" Flower Mistakes

Fly Me To The Moon Florists

"I'm Sorry" Flowers

You blew it. You figure if you get some flowers you'll be out of the dog house. Not necessarily.

Oh sure, it works in the movies, but you're not an actor and this is real life. If you're convinced flowers are the way to go, you'll get extra points if you don't make the following mistakes:

5 Fatal "I'm Sorry Flower" Mistakes

1) Not everyone loves red roses. In fact many people think they're a lazy person's way out. Instead, buy the person's favorite flower or color of flowers. Getting this right shows that you've been paying attention.

2) You may not have tons of money to spend, but don't be cheap.  It's better to buy just one magnificent rose than to buy a huge bunch of artificially colored flowers from the fruit and vegetable market down the block. Show that you've put some thought into it.

GoToWall

3) When in doubt, spend more money and buy more flowers. They don't have to be expensive flowers, but there should be a lot of them to make a lasting impact. Don't get a few flowers with a lot of baby's breath believing that the person will think you spent a lot of money. Trust me, they won't. Why? Because a little bit of flowers with a lot of baby's breath looks amazingly like a little bit of flowers with a lot of baby's breath. It's not an elegant or sophisticated look.

4) Write out your own card no matter how bad your handwriting or spelling. It's the thought that counts. If you've really messed up do you honestly believe that a card written by a complete stranger will mean more than one written by you?  Scrawling a simple, "I love you and I'm sorry" is all you really need.

5) Sometimes a single bouquet of flowers isn't going to get you out of trouble. Maybe you should take the person out for a nice dinner. Or you may have to buy more "I'm sorry" flowers the next day. A customer at our shop bought his girlfriend flowers for 5 days straight. Little did he know he had her at floral delivery #2.              

There are situations, however, where the offense is so great that no amount of flowers will help. Hopefully that's not the case for you. 

 

Fly Me To The Moon Florists

But, with a little humility, a heartfelt apology, and a beautiful bouquet of flowers you just might be forgiven. 

I would love to hear your thoughts on the subject of "I'm sorry" flowers in the comments below.

Mimi

 

 

 

I Must Have Flowers

 

 via Loretablog

 

"I must have flowers, always and always."

                                                                    Claude Monet

 

 

I'm grateful for always being surrounded by flowers at Fly Me To The Moon. What are you grateful for today?

Mimi

 

P.S. These flowers are for you, my dear friend Daniella, as a gift for always reading my blog. Thanks!

 

How To Create Vibrant Colored Vignettes

 

Vibrant colored vignettes can add drama to a room especially when they contain fresh flowers. 

via saved by the southern belle tumblr

 

Assemble your favorite collection of bright home decor pieces into a pleasing arrangement. The addition of fresh flowers brings life to any setting.

Good artificial flowers can also work well as long as you keep them dusted. Learn how to incorporate them into a room here and here.

 

Scarlet & Violet

 

Elle Decor

Note how the bright colors in the painting, the greenery and the aqua books add a pop of colorto the room above.

 

 

Scarlet & Violet

 

Visit these links to learn the basics of creating vignettes:

Create A Gorgeous Vignette - Apartment Therapy

8 Tips for Making Beautiful Vignettes- HGTV

 How to Make a Spring Vignette in 5 Minutes - Meeha Meeha

 

I'm dying to know the  tips you use to set up vignettes in your home. Let me know in the comments below.

Mimi

 

 

3 Reasons Bikes Should Come with Baskets of Flowers

 

Just imagine, thousands of bicycles with baskets of flowers being ridden through the streets of your town. 

via Jadorable

What an incredible sight that would be!

 

via The Little Red Shop

While sitting at my desk, at Fly Me To The Moon Florists, I began to wonder what our city would look like if everyone rode around on bicycles with baskets full of flowers. 

via Searching For Style 

 

It would be like a daily parade without the crowds and the leftover garbage.

via Fine Art America

Here's why I think it's a terific idea:

1. It would make people happy. Joyful even. Bicycles of all kinds bearing flowers of all colors, shapes and sizes.

 

Martha Stewart

2. The streets would look so beautiful. Bike riders would try hard to outdo others with their magnificent floral displays.

 

3. Flowery bicycles might just encourage more people to ride. We all need more exercise.

The fact that I never learned to ride a bike should have no bearing on this case idea. My husband can get a two-seater and I'll ride with him. Besides, I can stay behind and help arrange the flowers.

 

Style Me Pretty

See other pretty bicycle images on Pinterest here. Learn how to select and care for your fresh flowers here.

I'm sure there are plenty of other good reasons why bicycles should come with a basket of fresh flowers. I'd love to hear your reasons in the comments below.

Mimi

 

3 Ways To Be More Interesting Tomorrow Than You Are Today

 

Sometimes inspiration comes out of nowhere.

 

  

                                                                          Zen Images                                                

"Be more interesting tomorrow than you are today."

                                                                                                                                      Cole Haan

 

I spotted this quote while riding the NYC subway this morning. It was an ad for Cole Haan. Just the quote. Nothing more.

I was immediately intrigued and challenged by it.

I try to be interesting on the blog. But is it my goal to be interesting in my day-to-day life?

 

And if so, how do I do it?

1) Read on a wide variety of subjects. I learn so much from reading in doctor's offices.There are magazines there I'd never think of buying.

2)  Visit places of interest. I love old architecture. Drop me in any major city and I'm a happy woman.

3) Talk and listen to people. I love talking to folks about their jobs. Especially the trends they see from their own perspective.

Sometimes I get so bogged down in the day-to-day that I simply forget the joy of learning for learning's sake. Even if "I'm not ever going to use it."

So just a few minutes ago, I  began reading a book called, "Stamford White: Letters To His Family."

 

Untermyer Park - First Come Flowers

A friend took it off his shelf and handed it to me at least 2 years ago after giving me a tour of the amazing gardens of Untermyer Park here in Yonkers, New York. It seems Stamford White donated some 2000 year old columns to the park.

So tell me. What should I add to this list of ways to be more interesting? Please let me know in the comments below.

Mimi

 

 

How To Transform The Inside Of A Vase With Leaves

 

Fly Me To The Moon 

 

You can transform the look of a simple vase by lining it with fresh leaves. I use this technique in my floral design work at Fly Me To The Moon Florists.

 Wrapping a leaf on the inside of a vase works best with square, round or rectangular vases. You may need several leaves depending on the size and shape of your vase. Any soft and pliable leaf will do. 

 

Here's what you'll need:

Leaves - an aspidistra leaf, works best and can be purchased from a florist.             

Vase -   square, round or rectangular vase

 

Here's how to line the vase with the leaf:

1.  Select a leaf that is large enough to cover the entire vase. If the leaves are too small, you may have to use more than one leaf to completely cover the vase.

2.  Remove any dirt on the leaf with a damp paper towel.

3.  Cut off the stem of the leaf

4.  Bend the leaf into a circle small enough to fit in the vase. 

5.  Place the leaf in the vase and let it go. If it doesn't cover the vase completely, repeat steps 1-4 with another leaf. Position it either closer to the top or bottom to cover exposed area. 

 Totally confused? Watch this very short video entitled,  "Design Tip: Enhance A Glass Vase Design With Aspidistra Leaves." 

 

Fly Me To The Moon Florists

 

Wrap A Vase with Long Grass

You can achieve a different look by using a long grass, like steel grass. Wrap it around your hand. Put your hand into a bubble vase and let it go. Move the grass around until most of the vase is covered. This technique doesn't require complete coverage.

 

Please let me know what you think about lining vases with foliage for flower arrangements in the comments below.

Mimi

 

Linking to:

Common Ground

French Country Cottage

No Minimalist Here

 

 

 

The Power of A Beautiful Flower Arrangement

 

Never underestimate the power of a beautiful flower arrangement to set the stage for an elegant event.

Flowers: Fox & Rabbit       Photo: Bayly & Moore

Do you like to create your own floral arrangements for the special events in your life? If your budget is tight, DIY is a nice option. 

The goal of this blog is to empower you to do your own flowers. You'll find many DIY floral design posts and links here.

At our shop, Fly Me To The Moon Florists, we help a growing number of our customers create arrangements for their everyday enjoyment and special events.

But, there's something about a floral arrangement created by someone with a great eye for design that can make your event so very special.

I'm just saying. The beautiful arrangement above, by Fox and Rabbit, is both elegant and joyful. Everything I think flower arrangements should be.

What do you think about DIY flowers vs floral designer creations? Let me know in the comments below.

Mimi

 

 

 

If You Insist On Buying Fake Flowers Read This First

 

Pany Silk Flowers

Contrary to popular belief, as a florist, I do believe there is a place for silk, faux or artificial flowers. As I mentioned in any earlier post, I have some in my home.

The trick is to know when and how to use them. Mimi Rasamee, owner of Pany Silk Flowers, was interviewed on this very subject. You can read the interview here.

To learn 10 tips for how to buy and elegantly incorporate artificial flowers into your home read, "How to Fool People With Fake Flowers."

Share your adventures with faux flowers in the comments below.

Mimi

 

5 Floral Designs Inspired by Works of Art

 

Velaflor

 

Bouquets to Art 2013 is an annual event at the de Young Museum in San Francisco, where flowers and art are paired to create a dynamic exhibition.

WaterlilyPond Floral Design

 

The event actually happened last month, but when I saw the post, "Bouquets to Art, San Francisco, California - 2013" written by Alicia over at Flirty Fleurs, I just had to tell you about it. 

The Making of Bouquet to Art

 

Over 100 of the most cutting edge floral designers, from the Bay Area, create extraordinary floral arrangements inspired by works of art from the museum's permanent collection.

 

Ginger Leaf

 

See the pinboard, "The Making of Bouquets to Art"  created by several of the floral designers that took part in the exhibit. 

 

Yukika Neibert Floral Design 

 

I'd love to know what you think about the exhibit in the comments below.

Mimi 

3 Ways to Bring A Touch of Spring Home Today

 I love the spring! Time to get more color  in my home. I think I'll cover some pillows.

via inkiemama tumblr

 

"Despite the forecast, live like it's spring."  

                                                                                    Lily Pulitizer

 

1) Flowers - Pick up some brightly colored flowers while you're out. You can get a mixed bunch or go monochromatic. Place them in a spot where you can enjoy them each time you pass. 

2) Home Decor Accessories - Pull out your spring colored accessories. Don't have any? Get a quick splash of color for less at a store like Home Goods. You can pick up some new curtains, a basket, placemats, a vase or something to hang on your wall.

3) Potted Plants - Bring a little life into your home with a living plant. Choose between those with or without flowers. Select one that will work with the amount of sun you get. For a great look, put the potted plant into a decorative container with stones inside for drainage.  

Stumped about what colors to use? Check out this post on HGTV, Best Place to Find Color Inspiration.

Let me know what you plan to change in your space to make it feel like more like spring in the comments below.

Mimi