Welcome back to the horoscope page, where each month you can read a fun take on the future and see the flower associated with your sign. To learn more about shopping with a zodiac slant, visit Teleflora's astrology section.

 Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 20 / Flower: African violet

You may feel especially nostalgic this month as your minds drifts to fond memories of summer vacations and childhood friends. Reach out to the people that you think of. They would love to hear from you! At work, higher-ups may be considering you for a leadership spot. On the 13th, cut yourself some slack.



   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
"Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow." This sage advice comes from Albert Einstein and this is the month to heed his words! If you feel overwhelmed, decide that you will chip away at projects a little bit at a time. The key though is returning to them regularly so that you can eventually finish them all. Keep your energy up by keeping your love life exciting. The 8th is a good day for a calculated risk.




   Pisces: Feb. 20-March 20 / Flower: Alstroemeria

Make a point of kicking off your shoes and hitting the dance floor. More likely than not you will be the belle of the disco ball. You are poised for major success at work when your favorite project gets all the attention it deserves because of your stellar efforts. You need to make a final decision about an on-again/off-again situation. The weekend of the 17th is perfect time to flirt so don't be shy. Life is short, enjoy every moment!





   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
Bide your time with a testy situation with a colleague or neighbor. She/he may just need some distance. Look for little moments of magic such as discovering a twenty tucked in your pocket on laundry day. July is a perfect time to let your social butterfly come to the fore and throw a party! Work calls for extra discretion; remember that gossip is never good.




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
Married Taurus: As summer heats up, don't sweat the small stuff. Instead, ask yourself: "Will this matter in five years?" Single Taurus: That sweet guy that needs a makeover keeps knocking at your door. You could tactfully suggest new jeans or a new 'do, but a major overhaul is too much too much. Remember you can't change another person. But the good news is there's a whole lot o' fish in the sea. 





   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
This month, focus on listening, even if you feel more like talking. On the work front, you have been discouraged. Be patient, persistent and consistent, and you will triumph!  Also remember that networking is a two-way street, ie when working the room, ask not what other people can do for you but what you can do for others. This is a great time to pick a weekend to meet friends for a girls getaway or couples gathering.




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

You may be asked by a person from your past to keep a major secret. Oblige for a period of time.  Friction at work lifts as the team bands together; meanwhile, change is in the air. And you may suddenly find that mentor you've been after. Toward month's end, don't let your need to take care of others get you into trouble. Your sly sense of humor saves the day on the 22nd.



   Leo: July 23- Aug. 22 / Flower: Sunflower

You are often seen as playful and proud, but you also deserve credit for your less-showy traits like determination and patience. You are seeking a way to fulfill your prodigious talent and you will find it. Then, watch out because you are unstoppable! Your numerous skills and abilities have not gone unnoticed by your special someone. Just the opposite: learning more and more about you is deepening and intensifying your bond. 



   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
Ralph Waldo Emerson said: "We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities." Little Virgo likes order and logic, but let yourself be dreamy sometimes. That's how good ideas are hatched. An exciting new romance has long-term potential. Let yourself swoon!



   Libra: Sept. 24-Oct. 23 / Flower: Hydrangea

You may need an extra page in your calendar to keep track of all your social events. You will sparkle and shine, and you just might make an important connection at a midmonth gathering. A tense conversation midmonth makes you realize that someone close to you is experiencing a flash of jealousy at your success and good fortune. This will pass, though, so be diplomatic. Volunteer your time the weekend of the 24th.



  Scorpio: Oct. 24-Nov. 22 / Flower: Peony

A family reunion makes you realize how lucky you are, in more ways than one. The first part of the month is best for travel. A May/December romance may take on some summertime sizzle. Ooh la la! Rely on your intuition the week of the 12th. Your healthy eating habits are much admired at the workplace. Why not take center stage and make lunch for the whole crew one day? 


   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
You may be asked to negotiate a tricky situation and be tempted to back away. Give it a shot as it is likely lead to growth for all concerned. Some surprise cash is best spent on a pair of sleek and strappy sandals! You may feel you are neglecting your creative side. Carve out some time to reconnect with your music, art or writing. The 8th, 11th and 27th will be lucky. 


Flower Fact of the Day: flowers XXxxx 
 

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (July)

Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be entered in a random drawing to win a free bouquet of flowers.

OFFICIAL RULES

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. SWEEPSTAKES BEGINS 12:00 AM PACIFIC STANDARD TIME (“PST”) ON JULY 1, 2009 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON JULY 31, 2009.

1. ELIGIBILITY: Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (“Sweepstakes”) is open only to legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia who are at least eighteen (18) years old at the time of entry. Winners of a sweepstakes by Sponsor within the six (6) months immediately prior to this Sweepstakes are not eligible. Employees of Sponsor and its parent and affiliate companies (collectively, “Promotion Parties”) as well as the immediate family (spouse, parents, siblings and children) and household members of each such employee are not eligible. Sweepstakes is subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Participation constitutes entrant’s full and unconditional agreement to these Official Rules and Sponsor’s decisions, which are final and binding in all matters related to the Sweepstakes. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein. Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility qualifications of the winners.

2. HOW TO ENTER: Visit the Teleflora Flower Blog located at http://www.teleflora.com/flowerblog/ and post a comment responsive to the Teleflora Flower Blog. Limit 1 entry per person/e-mail address/household for the duration of the Sweepstakes. Entries generated by script, macro or other automated or mechanical means are void. All entries become the property of Sponsor and will not be acknowledged or returned. Promotion Parties and all of their respective employees, officers, directors, shareholders and agents (collectively, "Released Parties") assume no responsibility for entries that are processed, reported, or transmitted late or incorrectly or are lost or misdirected for any reason whatsoever nor for any other error, problem or malfunction of any kind, whether computer, network, telephonic, technical, mechanical, human or otherwise, relating to or in connection with this Sweepstakes, including, without limitation, errors which may occur in connection with the administration of the Sweepstakes, processing of entries, notification of winners, announcement of the prize or in any Sweepstakes-related materials, or for the inability to access the website associated with the Sweepstakes.

3. PRIZES: One (1) winner will be randomly selected from among all eligible entries and shall receive a Teleflora Bouquet ARV: $50.00 to $100.00 (the “Prize”). Sponsor shall arrange to deliver the Prize to the winner within seven (7) to ten (10) days of when the winner accepts the Prize. The Prize (or any portion thereof) is non-transferable, non-negotiable and not redeemable for cash, credit or merchandise. No substitutions or cash redemption of the Prize is permitted except that Sponsor retains the right to substitute a prize of comparable or greater retail value. Additional restrictions may apply.

4. DRAWING: The potential winner will be selected in a random drawing held on or about July 31, 2009 from all eligible entries received. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. The potential winner will be notified by e-mail. Potential winner must respond within one week of notification or prize will be forfeited and another name drawn. Acceptance of prize constitutes permission for Sponsor and its designees to use each winner’s name, city, state, likeness, voice and biographical information for purposes of advertising, promotion and publicity in any and all media, now or hereafter devised without limitation and without additional notification or permission or compensation, unless prohibited by law. All information collected will be treated in a manner consistent with Sponsor’s privacy policy and the consent given at time of entry. The Sweepstakes is governed by the laws of the State of California, with venue in Los Angeles, California, and all claims must be resolved in the appropriate state and federal courts of Los Angeles, California.

5. GENERAL CONDITIONS: Sponsor reserves the right to cancel, suspend and/or modify the Sweepstakes, or any part of it, if any fraud, technical failures or any other factor beyond Sponsor’s reasonable control impairs the integrity or proper functioning of the Sweepstakes, as determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion. Sponsor reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to disqualify any individual it finds to be tampering with the entry process or the operation of the Sweepstakes or to be acting in violation of these Official Rules or any other promotion or in an unsportsmanlike or disruptive manner. Any attempt by any person to deliberately undermine the legitimate operation of the Sweepstakes may be a violation of criminal and civil law, and, should such an attempt be made, Sponsor reserves the right to seek damages from any such person to the fullest extent permitted by law. Sponsor’s failure to enforce any term of these Official Rules shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

6. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: Released Parties assume no responsibility for any injury or damage to entrants’ or to any other person's computer (including hardware or software) related to or resulting from participation in this Sweepstakes or downloading materials from or use of the website. By entering the Sweepstakes, all entrants agree to release and hold harmless Released Parties from any liability whatsoever for any claims, costs, injuries, liability, losses, actions, or damages of any kind (including, without limitation, related to personal injury, death, damage to property, infringement of proprietary rights, rights of publicity or privacy or defamation) arising out of or in connection with: (1) participation in the Sweepstakes or (2) acceptance, use or misuse of any prize (including any travel or activity related hereto), whether under a theory of contract, warranty, tort, (including negligence, whether active, passive, or imputed) strict liability, product liability, contribution, or any other theory. If for any reason this Sweepstakes is not capable of running as planned, Sponsor in its sole discretion, may disqualify any individual, void entries and/or terminate, modify or suspend this Sweepstakes or any portion thereof. In the event the Sweepstakes is terminated, Sponsor may, at its discretion, conduct a random drawing to award the prize for the drawing at issue from among all eligible, non-suspect entries received for such drawing prior to such action. In the event of a dispute as to the identity of an online entrant, entrant will be deemed the "registered subscriber" of the e-mail account at issue and required to comply with these Official Rules.

7. WINNERS LIST: The winner’s name will be posted on the Teleflora Flower Blog.

8. SPONSOR: Teleflora LLC, 11444 West Olympic Blvd., Suite 210, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Whether your Fourth of July plans include BBQs, fireworks and parades or just some R&R, remember that flowers are quick and convenient way to spruce up any room, patio or porch. And if travel is first on the agenda, remember that sending flowers ahead of time as a host/hostess gift means one less thing to pack and take through security.

If you're at home, try mixing it up a bit. Blend some bamboo or branches in with your flower arrangements or use seashells as vases for single flowers.

Roses are typically cheaper in the summertime so why not experiment with some new looks? For instance: place a few hot-colored roses in square skinny vases, anchored with dark stones or glass pieces on the bottom of the vase. Trim the roses so they are just a half-inch above the rim of the vase. This looks chic and sculptural. When the roses start to droop, lose the stems completely and float them in a bowl of water.

Whatever you do, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Today's post is from expert florist Matthew McDonald of Bookshelf Florist and Gifts in Gaffney, SC, www.bookshelfflorist.com.  


For those who have lost a loved one, a funeral service is of extreme importance. Grief counselors will tell you that the family and friends need a chance to get together to grieve for the loss and to share memories of the deceased. This is very comforting during the first few days.

The most appropriate expression of sympathy is sending funeral flowers. Flowers provide a thoughtful and beautiful distraction from the grief of survivors.

Even if the family has expressed a desire for a financial contribution to their favorite charities, flowers should still be sent. Even though the notice may read “In Lieu of Flowers” or “Sympathy memorials may be made to the charity of your choice” flowers are always appropriate.

Floral tributes can be customized to reflect the personality, culture and traditions of the deceased. In South Carolina, standing sprays and funeral baskets are the most requested.

Flowers help people express feelings that are difficult to express. Flowers show respect for the dead, add warmth to the service and provide visual support. With flowers, the atmosphere becomes more pleasant and mourners more comfortable. The value and importance of flowers sent in sympathy can never be overstated.

Flowers and greens have always played an important role in burial traditions. Humans and flowers are both products of nature, testaments to the mystery of being. With their essential but fleeting beauty, flowers remind us of our own existence and the temporal quality of our human lives.

In ancient times, herbs were used to anoint the bodies of their loved ones, and they also held “wakes.” Ancient civilizations across Europe and the Middle East also burned, buried or entombed flowers with the dead.

Matthew McDonald
Bookshelf Florist and Gifts
www.BookshelFlorist.com

Today's post is from the trend-setting designers known as the MiGi Girls, Michele Adams and Gia Russo. MiGi and Teleflora have teamed up to create a fabulous line of baby bouquets.




Who doesn’t like receiving flowers, especially unexpectedly? Michele and I have been working with flowers for several years and LOVE them. Whether it’s buying fresh flowers at the local farmers market, receiving them as a surprise or giving them as a gift, flowers will always put a smile on your face.

As designers and lifestyle experts, we are always thinking of unique ways to use flowers. Here are some of our favorite foolproof ideas:

1. Gift-wrapping a present and incorporating a flower adds a beautiful simple touch to any gift. Tuck the flower bloom into the knot of the bow. Choose flowers that are hearty and can sustain being without water. Some floral recommendations are tulips, roses, daisies or even a tropical leaf.



2. Purchasing seasonal flowers by the stem from your local Teleflora florist is perfect for a get well, thank you or hostess gift. To make the bouquet special, wrap the bouquet in piece of tulle or paper (to create a cuff) and tie the bouquet with a beautiful satin or grosgrain ribbon.



3. A potted orchid, hydrangea, tulip, or daffodil from your local Teleflora florist makes a beautiful gift. For a personalized added touch, cover the pot in a piece of fabric and tie a ribbon.