flower blog

You'll get a chance to win free flowers by entering Flower Blog's monthly bouquet sweepstakes. Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be automatically entered. The winner for December will be picked in early January. To see the official rules, visit telefora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Flower-Blog-December-Sweepstakes-Win-free-flowers.aspx.  

Good luck.
 

Now that the holiday rush is over, you may have more time to appreciate little pleasures, like poetry and petals.

Emily Dickinson (1830–86) was a poet particularly taken with nature, as evidenced by her many tributes to flowers.

PERHAPS you’d like to buy a flower?
But I could never sell.
If you would like to borrow
Until the daffodil

Unties her yellow bonnet
Beneath the village door,
Until the bees, from clover rows
Their hock and sherry draw,

Why, I will lend until just then,
But not an hour more!

What are your favorite flower poems? Share them on Flower Blog.

Flower Fact of the Day: In Wales, there's a legend that whoever spots the first daffodil of the season will have a year of riches.
 

 If you're running short on time, you're stranded in an airport or looking outside your window at snow, sleet or rain, you may have a name or two on your gift list that you can't cross off. If that's the case, remember that a bouquet of flowers can save the day.

Festive, fresh and fragrant, you don't have to worry about wrapping, carrying a heavy gift box, or finding the right size or color. It's a present an entire family can enjoy and it's calorie free.

Flower Fact of the Day: The word tulip comes from the Turkish word for turban. After its introduction to Europe, the tulip was hugely popular, spawning tulipomania in Holland between 1634 and 1637. Because so many people lost their fortunes in the tulip market, the government started to regulate the buying and selling of bulbs.
 

Sonnet 65
Since brass, nor stone, nor earth, nor boundless sea,
But sad mortality o'er-sways their power,
How with this rage shall beauty hold a plea,
Whose action is no stronger than a flower?
O, how shall summer's honey breath hold out
Against the wreckful siege of battering days,
When rocks impregnable are not so stout,
Nor gates of steel so strong, but Time decays?
O fearful meditation! where, alack,
Shall Time's best jewel from Time's chest lie hid?
Or what strong hand can hold his swift foot back?
Or who his spoil of beauty can forbid?
O, none, unless this miracle have might,
That in black ink my love may still shine bright.


Sonnet 69
Those parts of thee that the world's eye doth view
Want nothing that the thought of hearts can mend;
All tongues, the voice of souls, give thee that due,
Uttering bare truth, even so as foes commend.
Thy outward thus with outward praise is crown'd;
But those same tongues that give thee so thine own
In other accents do this praise confound
By seeing farther than the eye hath shown.
They look into the beauty of thy mind,
And that, in guess, they measure by thy deeds;
Then, churls, their thoughts, although their eyes were kind,
To thy fair flower add the rank smell of weeds:
But why thy odour matcheth not thy show,
The solve is this, that thou dost common grow.

If you have a favorite flower poem or quote, share it on Flower Blog.
 

As much as we love the holidays, it's a given that travel will be stressful, especially with winter storms covering the Midwest and Northeast.

If you're getting ready for your annual "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" experience, pack as light as you can to help keep your cool.

One way to add space to your suitcase is to send flowers ahead to whomever you'll be staying with. That way, you'll know it's there, even if you arrive late.

Sending flowers ahead of time means less to pack and less hassle at the airport.

For some other travel tips, I checked in with blogger and flight attendant Mary Jo Manzanares. More of her tips and advice can be found at flyawaycafe.com, theseattletraveler.com and travelproductguide.com.  

Here's our Q&A on traveling smart with kids.

Q Can you share your behind-the-scenes perspective?
A It's important to understand that federal regulations govern the airline industry. No one is being mean by making a child sit in a seat with a seat belt fastened. Please understand that flight attendants are not picking on your or your child. We empathize with most predicaments, and we're trying to balance your needs with our requirement to do our job.

Q What are some essentials to think about in terms of planning and packing?
A Check bags so you don't have to manage people in addition to stuff. But if the kids are old enough to be responsible for their own bag, let them back a carry on. Let them bring a "buddy" or two (stuffed animal, doll, etc.). Having something familiar will help alleviate the anxiety of the new. Depending on the age, bring a change of clothes (or just a change of shirt or something) in case of spills or accidents. Parents are responsible for setting the mood, keeping the kids busy and engaged, and having fun on the flight. If they make travel fun, they'll be instilling a life long interest in traveling in their kids.

Q Do you have advice for handling flight delays or unexpected changes to a trip?
A Try to take non-stop flights whenever possible. If you're still stuck with a delay, get food and drinks for the kids. Find an area of the airport to let the run around and run off a little steam (most airports have some kid-friendly play areas now). Try not to let your anxiety and frustration spill over onto them. Make them think it's an adventure, and maybe you'll convince yourself that it is, too.

Q What are the biggest mistakes you've seen people make?
A Parents still need to keep the kids under control and respectful of other people and their space. It amazes me how many parents let the kids control a situation and throw up their hands asking "what can I do?" Arggghhh! People make good and bad choices.

Q Can you elaborate on those choices?
A Good choices: planning to be self sufficient (there won't always be people available to help), checking bags, bringing things for the kids to play with, packing some snacks for adults and kids, being involved with your kids. Bad choices: not bringing things for kids to do, not having snacks on hand, expecting flight attendants to baby-sit the kids, getting angry and yelling.

Q What is the No. 1 thing to keep in mind when traveling with kids?
A They're kids! They have neither the knowledge base nor attention span of an adult. They are curious about things and want to ask questions. The unknown can be scary, so try to explain what's happening to them in a non-threatening or scary way. Plan to interact with them and keep them busy, and they'll have fond memories of their travels.
 

Feeling like you forgot a gift? Flowers are a safe bet for nearly anyone, including yourself.

You'll get a chance to win free flowers by entering Flower Blog's monthly bouquet sweepstakes. Make a comment on any post this month and you'll be automatically entered. The winner for December will be picked in early January. To see the official rules, visit telefora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Flower-Blog-December-Sweepstakes-Win-free-flowers.aspx.  

Good luck.
 

Looking for a fresh floral take on ringing in 2009? How about Bells of Ireland?


They're great looking on their own and they add a superb vertical element when mixed with other flowers like hydrangea, roses and orchids.

Slightly rustic with a hint of fragrance they're also a great conversation starter at a party. I tried some out recently and was surprised that no one knew what they were. They usually last 7-10 days.

Other non-traditional blooms include amaryllis, dendrobium orchids and Birds of Paradise. Here are some care tips for these don't-see-everyday delights. To see more care tips for other kinds of flowers visit: teleflora.com/flowercare2.asp.

Amaryllis
Amaryllis may arrive with some of their blooms closed, but with proper care, they will open into large flowers. Their stems need to stay filled with water at all times, so when you refresh the water and re-cut the stems, turn them upside down and fill them with water, plugging the bottom of each stem with a cotton ball or your finger until it is back in the vase. Their stems can be brittle and may bend or break when you refresh them. Keeping them trimmed daily and even wrapping the stem ends in clear tape will help prevent this. As new blooms open, carefully pinch off older, wilting blooms.

Birds of Paradise
Each stem of a bird of paradise usually contains about 4 to 5 flowers. Sometimes only one flower is visible, where others are hidden in another part of the flower. When one exposed flower withers it should be removed. Another one can be pulled out of the flower’s boat shaped bract. If a flower doesn’t emerge, gently ease it out by hand. These exotic blooms are sensitive to temperatures below 50 degrees F, so display them in a warm spot.

Dendrobium orchids
Most orchids are surprisingly  With dendrobium orchids, change their water frequently, recut stems and be aware: they are sensitive to ethylene gas, which can be released by fruits and vegetables. So keep 'em away from the crisper! ;)
 

With one more weekend before Christmas and Hanukkah on Sunday, many of us may be looking for ways to get different looks for parties and get-togethers. So we go through our cupboards and closets, hoping to be wowed by those fabulous finds that we forgot we already had.

Same goes for clothes and that frisson you feel when you realize that behind the ski jacket from 1997 is that stunning brocade jacket or vintage purse that can be called into service once more as part of your glam holiday look.

If you need a quick decor update, just remember it's all about location. In other words, as floral expert Carol Caggiano points out: "We rend to be creatures of habit, but remember that your holiday decorations will take on a completely different personality, depending on where they are placed within your home. Just think a little bit about how you can reposition what you have."

For example, try moving that garland from the mantel and draping it down the staircase. Or remove the red bows from your tree and attach them to your wreath instead. It's a little change but you'll be surprised how different it looks in a different setting.

If you have permanent evergreens on display, fill in with some fresh greens right before the party. You'll still have the lovely fresh fragrance without spending a lot of extra time or money.

Try adding just one new element. For example, add some miniature birds perhaps, or maybe some butterflies or egg-shaped ornaments to the mix. Try attaching a few to a wreath with putty or wire or displaying several with some pinecones in a bowl or on a platter. test it out and if you like it, you're got yourself a brand-new theme for Christmas 09.

And if your main colors are red and green (imagine that!), could you add a tone of raspberry or chartreuse and make your place feel modern and new?

Ribbons as well are a fun, fast way to add interest to a tree, garland or wreath.

You'll be surprised how much you can do with a dozen red roses. Single blooms can brighten just about any place in your house.

And lastly: Bring on the sparkle! "A jar of glitter and glue doesn't cost much," says Carol, adding that you never have enough time, no matter how much you plan ahead.

OK, so it's not just me. ;)

Flower Fact of the Day: Don't put fresh flowers near ripening fruit. It releases tiny amounts of ethylene gas that can age blooms prematurely.
 

All year long I've had white flowers on the brain.

Turns out, so do the trend forecasters.

According to Rebecca Cole, a New York City floral and interior designer, on About Flowers aboutflowers.com: "A palette of white and silver adds elegance to a holiday table and is expected to be a popular color scheme for the upcoming holiday season."

White is often associated with purity and innocence, but it also conveys the simplicity and confidence of true chic. And of course it mixes perfectly with what you already have, especially red and green.

Additionally, white flowers are an excellent choice if you are giving flowers for Hanukkah, which starts Sunday, Dec. 21.

Aaah, gardenias, lily of the valley, white roses, hydrangea, calla lilies ... all have their own unique variations and tones of white. Vincent Van Gogh once said there are no less than 80 shades of black. I'll be the same is true of white.

Read more about Christmas floral trends at: http://aboutflowers.com/holidays_b11.html.  

Flower Fact of the Day: The lily gets its name from the Greek word “leiron” (referring to the white Madonna lily). The Greeks believed it sprouted from the milk of Hera, the queen of the gods.
 

Sonnet 25
Let those who are in favour with their stars
Of public honour and proud titles boast,
Whilst I, whom fortune of such triumph bars,
Unlook'd for joy in that I honour most.
Great princes' favourites their fair leaves spread
But as the marigold at the sun's eye,
And in themselves their pride lies buried,
For at a frown they in their glory die.
The painful warrior famoused for fight,
After a thousand victories once foil'd,
Is from the book of honour razed quite,
And all the rest forgot for which he toil'd:
Then happy I, that love and am beloved
Where I may not remove nor be removed.


Sonnet 35
No more be grieved at that which thou hast done:
Roses have thorns, and silver fountains mud;
Clouds and eclipses stain both moon and sun,
And loathsome canker lives in sweetest bud.
All men make faults, and even I in this,
Authorizing thy trespass with compare,
Myself corrupting, salving thy amiss,
Excusing thy sins more than thy sins are;
For to thy sensual fault I bring in sense–
Thy adverse party is thy advocate–
And 'gainst myself a lawful plea commence:
Such civil war is in my love and hate
That I an accessary needs must be
To that sweet thief which sourly robs from me.

If you have a favorite flower poem or quote, share it on Flower Blog.
 

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (December)

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 DEC.  11, 2008 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON JAN. 5, 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 Jan. 5, 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. 
 

Need to decorate in a hurry? Just pick a theme.

“Look at how many weddings are themed,” says Carol Caggiano, freelance floral designer, AIFD, PFCI. “Beaches or seashores – places you enjoyed visiting – or things you love. Bring that into your floral decorating with color and a few representative elements. Christmas is definitely a time to be eclectic.”

For example, it’s easy to add a fiesta flair to Christmas by using bright vases and calla lilies. Then add chili peppers to your tree, wreath or floral arrangements. Bright chunky candlesticks and some fresh greenery can also play into that theme.

And she points out: If you have souvenirs from a trip, you won’t have to buy anything new.

Combine red, black and green for a Moulin Rouge/Parisian vibe. Red carnations and green button mums pair well with strings of sparkling holiday lights, which come in all kinds of fun shapes. Accent with shiny black ribbons.

Teleflora's Island Blooms adds sleek chic to your decor.

Tropical Christmas? A bottom layer of shells or stones adds depth to your flower arrangements. Trendy gardeners know that lush, exotic plants like bougainvillea, bananas and angel’s trumpet are increasingly being grown in colder climates. So, choose from your garden if you can; otherwise just stick with bright floral colors.

Asian/contemporary: At a time when many of us are cutting back, the simplicity of Asian design is particularly appealing. Try grouping mums in Chinese take-out containers (you can buy from restaurants and they’re fun for kids to decorate) and displaying a few lanterns. Then add an arrangement from Teleflora’s Zen line and you’ll really change the look of a room.

As Carol always says, the idea is to have fun and be creative!

Flower Fact of the Day: Are you a flower fan who loves to read? Then be sure to check out Anne Raver’s roundup of garden books in the New York Times: nytimes.com/2008/12/11/garden/11garden.html.  
 

No matter how you celebrate the holidays, the love and warmth of home is key.

That’s the idea behind TF’s “Home for the Holidays” bouquet (below), inspired by the artist Thomas Kinkade. An arrangement of red spray roses, white spray roses, noble fir and flat cedar (accented with oregonia and holly) surrounds a hand-painted cottage modeled after Kinkade’s childhood home.

Inside, a vignette inspired by the recently released movie, “Thomas Kinkade's Christmas Cottage,” shows a family gathered around a flickering fireplace.

Not only that, there’s a chance to win terrific prizes, thanks to our Thomas Kinkade’s Home for the Holidays Sweepstakes, which runs through January 9, 2009.

Here’s what you might win:

Three Grand Prizes:
A trip for two to Monterey, CA to enjoy the local sights and have lunch with Thomas Kinkade, as well as a framed limited-edition Christmas Cottage Canvas, personally signed by the artist and $5000 USD in spending money.

Twenty First Prizes:
A framed limited-edition Christmas Cottage print.

One Hundred Runner-Up Prizes:
Exclusive framed Thomas Kinkade print.

For more details and to see the full rules, visit: teleflorasweepstakes.com/kinkade/rules.
 

Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.



Oh, how time flies! December 12 marks the end of the sweepstakes promotion that has been running in conjunction with the purchase of the Teleflora WILLIAMSBURG Golden Pitcher bouquet. Sadly, that also brings my blogging on the Flower Blog to a close.

For years, I have been demonstrating ways to bring touches of “Williamsburg” into the home for the holidays. Whether you live in Tacoma or Tampa or anywhere in between, a Williamsburg-inspired look is always a timeless and beautiful choice.

So, for my last blog entry I thought it might be fun to share some of my favorite ways to embellish your home with the natural elegance that has become synonymous with Colonial Williamsburg.

Magnolia leaves are abundant in Virginia, and it’s a good thing because they are, without doubt, one of my favorite things to decorate with. The large, glossy leaves with brown “suede” textured underside couldn’t be a better base to other arrangements on a table, mantle or sideboard.

With their stems trimmed off they make a wonderful “placemat” to side dishes or individual place settings. Or, use small branches to fill a large vase to turn your unused fireplace into a decorative oasis.

Stemware is easily transformed into a beautiful table decoration when filled with fresh evergreen and holly. A small bouquet is all you need to turn an ordinary martini glass into a stunning individual place setting arrangement.

Another option, fill the bottom of the glass with cranberries allowing the greenery to flow over the top. These smaller arrangements beautifully accent a centerpiece that shares similar elements to complete the look of your table.

Bay leaves, great when dried, can become a charming chair decoration. Simply bind the stems with ribbon or raffia to make a small posy of appropriate size for your chairs (4” to 6” in length” and tie on the back. For a little hint of color, weave in a stem of berries or a bouquet of small seasonal flowers.

Have a mix of greenery that you want to showcase? No problem. Clear glass hurricane globes make a beautiful statement when filled with your favorite greenery and accented with lady apples and pinecones. From a large floral arrangement to a small grouping of apples and berries, you might be surprised how a few sprigs of greenery can make a room come alive!

Using fresh greenery has been associated with the decorations in Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area since 1940. There is no better or easier way to add a touch of tradition to a table or a room than by incorporating fresh materials of the season.
 

As if there weren't quite enough going on this month, next Friday is National Poinsettia Day! I plan to celebrate by sending this cheerful brilliant bloom to friends and family I won't see over the holidays. Native to Mexico, poinsettias were brought to the United States in 1825 by Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. ambassador to Mexico.

Another fun fact: The part of the plant that most people think is the flower is called a “bract,” which is really a colorful modified leaf. The flowers of a poinsettia are the yellow cyathias in the center.

Poinsettias are long lasting. Here's how to give yours proper care:

Light
Place the plant in indirect sunlight for at least six hours per day.

Temperature
Avoid cold drafts or excessive heat. Keep the plant in a warm room with temperatures between 68-70° F. Never put one on a television!
Poinsettias are sensitive to temperatures below 50° F – cold temperatures can cause the bracts to discolor or fall from the plant.

Water
Water a poinsettia when the soil feels dry to the touch. Always remove the plant from decorative pot wrappings or pot covers before watering it in your sink. Allow excess water to drain completely before placing the plant back in its decorative covering.
Health concerns and benefits
Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia is not poisonous. As with all ornamental plants, poinsettias are not intended for human or animal consumption. Poinsettias, like many indoor plants, are helpful in removing indoor pollutants from the air and producing oxygen for a cleaner environment.

Flower Fact of the Day: Another red flower we associate with the holidays is Amaryllis, named in honor of a nymph. According to legend, the flower gets its color from her blood. Today, the amaryllis represents pride, determination and radiant beauty.
 

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

After years of hard work, you're narrowing in on a huge goal. Congrats! If you feel overwhelmed, make a point of prioritizing and don't feel guilty if you have to say no to some requests. Looking to avoid extra pounds this month? Treat yourself to flowers. They're calorie free!



   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
The chance to help someone the weekend of the 13th will brighten your whole month. A colleague may test you by telling you a secret he/she wants to circulate. Keep mum. You'll need extra energy to keep up with extra socializing this month so take naps and double up on fruits and veggies.




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

You'll need to let someone down easy toward the middle of the month. On the job front, briefly focus on a seemingly minor detail to identify a terrific opportunity. Take a leap of faith with your husband or boyfriend. A family drama has a happy ending.




   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
A dear friend may be going through a tough time but not let on about how much she's hurting. Quite by surprise, your perspective on a problem will change. Your boyfriend or husband may delight you with a simple gift. Single? Smile and tuck a flower behind your ear. Hey, it's a conversation starter!




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
Granted, in a troubled economy, there is plenty to worry about. Fresh air and long walks can do much to ease anxiety. So does a good cup of tea! Also, ask yourself: Will this matter in five years? if not, don't fret. Be extra patient on the 21st. 




   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
There is something that every day you toy with doing but then decide against it. So be it, but your inner voice will keep asking. Maybe next year is the time to draft a plan for how you can fulfill that wish. Meanwhile, if you've never volunteered around the holidays, you're missing a true joy of the season.




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

When it comes to holiday entertaining, cozy and simple is as nice as can be. After all, the idea is to reconnect and have fun, not wear yourself out making elaborate hors d'oeuvres. Some sad news will be tempered by the kindness and concern of your family and friends. Be sure to let them know you love them! 



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

You're looking forward to getting all decked out for your glam gatherings this month. Go for it, though, at the work party, err on the side of caution, ie don't show too much skin. Something you thought was unfair is exposed as wrong. Look forward to a sweet surprise on the 16th.




   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
Forgive and forget by the 10th and the rest of the month will be peaceful. It may be challenging, but be sure to keep up your fitness routine. That way, you won't feel guilt eating a cookie or two. Pay attention to subtle signals from your sweetheart.





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

A post-shopping massage. An extra yoga class. A quick pedicure. Book these appointments now. You'll be glad you did as the month gets crazy and crazier. Feeling like your love life is a brain teaser? Don't overthink it. Just think good thoughts and send out happy vibes. The 15th and the 26th are lucky days.



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

Don't give in to doom and gloom. Things will get better and remember: there are always options. A person who underestimated you gets a wake-up call. Pick you battles carefully on the 7th and the 18th. A wonderful opportunity to learn presents itself at the end of the month. 




   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
You may get the funny feeling that you are being tested. But having done your homework you will prevail! Hang in there. When you least expect it, romance will be center stage. Trust an old friend to tell you the truth about a purchase you are considering.




Flower Fact of the Day: National Poinsettia Day is Dec. 12.
 

Did you know that more than 60 million poinsettias are sold annually? This year I'm going to try something different: poinsettias as cut flowers in an all-red bouquet. This would be fun for a casual dinner party, no? Another fresh twist is using kalanchoe as a cut flower. 

What other flowers should I mix it up with? Well, there are roses and tulips, of course. But amaryllis, one of the most elegant blooms of all, also works really well as a cut flower. Alstroemeria, carnations, chrysanthemums, lilies and some orchids are also easily available. Red berries could also play a part: as an accent. Their texture is still different enough to lend interest.

Any ideas about an all-green bouquet?

Flower Fact of the Day: A writer reflects on the exotic flower buds of his childhood in Pakistan: nytimes.com/2008/11/30/magazine/30lives-t.html.
 

Today's post is from guest blogger Cindy Cragg, home stylist for WILLIAMSBURG®, williamsburgmarketplace.com, the lifestyle brand of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.



Now that it’s the beginning of December, I guess I need to start formulating my holiday gift-giving plan. Truth be told, I’m a bit of a last-minute gift buyer.

On the other hand, I can usually expect a call from my grandmother no later than July 1 to ask for gift ideas. Extreme? Maybe. But the ways that we go about expressing appreciation for the people in our lives are as diverse as the choices of “stuff” to buy them.

We all know people that seem to give tons of presents to everyone they know and then there are the “minimalists” that have a short gift list and you can count yourself lucky if you’re on it!

How we evolved to being such prolific gift givers, I’m not sure. In the 18th century it was customary for gifts to be given only from a master or parent to a dependant, child, apprentice or servant. Gifts were simple and practical, most commonly cash (some things never go out of style!), books, sweets and alcohol.

The giving of gifts was not reciprocal so kids and house servants did not exchange presents with their parents and employers, as we often do today. The main purpose of this tradition was for superiors to offer a small token of appreciation for a year of hard work and service.

Teleflora's WILLIAMSBURG bouquet teleflora.com/williamsburg.asp is a simple, thoughtful gift.

I take us on this short walk down history lane because I think there is a timely message here. Sometimes less really is more. A box of homemade cookies, a small bouquet of flowers, or some chocolates – rare is the person that wouldn’t appreciate the gesture behind a simple, thoughtful gift. When you get right down to it, how many gifts does it take to make a friend or loved-one feel special?

This year I am going to veer from my usual course of action. Instead of giving many gifts to a few family members, I’m going to make a list of people that make my life easier or more enjoyable to live and, in keeping with the 18th century tradition, express my gratitude with a small gift.

Reaching out to all the people that make your life a happier place, in whatever small and meaningful way you choose – that’s what the holiday season is all about!