flower blog

Welcome summer 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 May will be picked on or around June 6. To see the official rules, visit http://www.teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Feeling-lucky-Here's-your-chance-to-win-free-flowers!.aspx.    

Good luck, flower fans!
 

Whether his taste is classic or contemporary, the key to choosing flowers for a man to wear is to select blooms that reflect his personality. Here are some terrific tips from Marie Ackerman, who runs the Teleflora Education Center in Oklahoma City. Thanks, Marie!

The traditional boutonniere is a single flower pinned to a jacket lapel, often matching the lady the man is accompanying. One of the first flowers for this purpose was cornflowers; they were called “bachelor buttons.” Perfect flowers for a traditional boutonniere include the rose, carnation and stephanotis.


You can never go wrong with a single rose for a traditional boutonniere.

That said, the possibilities are endless so be creative. What about a feather with some beads, a small wreath of fresh herbs or a tiny British flag pin backed by a fresh English ivy leaf?

Always consider the guy who is wearing the flower when you select the flower. Some men won’t wear a pink flower – or something he considers too feminine.

Be sure to “size” the boutonniere to the guy – meaning you don’t select a full size flower for a 5-year-old ringbearer – it would look silly. Many flowers have miniature versions that can easily be used for this. The goal is to not have the boutonniere seen before the man.

Another way for a guy to wear flowers is a “pocket square” made of flowers. Flowers are glued onto a cardboard square and inserted in the outside pocket of a tux or suit (where a colorful handkerchief might be placed.)

For less formal events (like beach weddings), the groom or groomsmen might wear leis of flowers around the neck or even braided foliage or shells.

Use a pro. A Teleflora florist will prepare the flower/foliage, make sure it is hydrated and spray it with sealant to increase longevity. They will also reinforce the stem with wire and floral tape, which prevents the stem from staining the jacket lapel. Also, most florists will provide pins for wearing the boutonniere.
 

With weddings in full swing and Father’s Day just around the corner, it’s an ideal time to think about men and flowers.

First, in honor of Dad’s big day, Teleflora is teaming up with the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), to help raise funds for research. A portion of the sales proceeds from Teleflora’s new baseball-themed bouquets, Big Hit (see below) and Play Ball (bottom image) will go to the organization. Teleflora is also running its Triple Play sweepstakes June 1-26. The grand-prize is an all-expense-paid, three-day baseball journey for two, including tickets to two major league games, plus the chance to watch pre-game batting practice (retail value of $3,000).

I’ll talking more about this partnership and the contest in the next few weeks. And I have some great guest bloggers lined up to talk about raising awareness of prostate cancer, which strikes one out of six American men.

In the meantime, if you’re involved in planning a wedding or special event where men will be wearing boutonnieres, this is a chance to have fun and get creative. But don’t feel you have to wait for a big event. A boutonniere is also a super way to honor a special guy – Dad on Father’s Day – or taking your boyfriend out for dinner on his birthday. It tells the world something special is happening!

Nothing like the prospect of a long weekend to make people happy. Keep that upbeat vibe going with fresh flowers, which are scientifically proven to elevate moods. In research conducted by Rutgers University, study participants who received flowers showed a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction, and had more contact with family and friends.

For more information, visit: http://www.aboutflowers.com/health-benefits-a-research/emotional-impact-of-flowers-study.html.  

As we gear up to spend time with family and friends this Memorial Day, consider adding some red, white and blue flowers to your gatherings. It’s easy to pull together fun combos: red and white carnations in blue mugs. Or groupings of all-white, all-red and all-blue flowers; then dress them up with silver mylar or glitter-coated dried grass.

Remember that no matter what colors or combinations of flowers you choose, the key is getting the proportion of flowers to vase right. Be conservative when trimming the flowers because (of course) it’s a done deal once you snip!

Eyeball it, take a break and then decide if you need to cut more off the stems. The vase should be about one-third of the arrangement’s total height, so one-third vase and two-thirds flowers. But for round/fat vases, the ratio should be closer to 50:50.

When I’m buying cut flowers, I always buy more than I think I’ll need – it’s hard to estimate the exact amount and if you have a few extra, you can always pop a single stem in a champagne flute or olive oil bottle. If you experience any broken stems, just float the flower heads in a pretty bowl, then add some votive candles to dress up the look.

As always, your local Teleflora florist can provide fresh flowers at short notice and you can be sure they’ll be hand-arranged and hand-delivered. For Memorial Day, we have a great selection of bouquets that symbolize and express gratitude for those who have sacrificed for the sake of our country. What better way to pay tribute to these brave men and women?

 
 

There’s an Irish ballad that begins, “I wish I was in London or some other seaport town…” And today I’d really love to be across the pond because it’s time for the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show!

I haven’t been in years (I used to live there) and I’d love to check it out again. After all, it is “the ultimate event in the gardening calendar,” as noted on the Royal Horticultural Society’s web site, http://www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/shows/chelsea2009/about.asp.  

The first such show was held in Kensington in 1862 under a different name, so it’s quite the tradition. (On the RHS site, you can also find info about other flower events such as the Hampton Court Palace Show, which runs from July 7-12.)

I guess this year I’ll have to settle for pix and posts about the show. Naturally, Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Camilla, The Duchess of Cornwall, attended a preview of the show; the Queen presented her son with the Royal Horticultural Society Victoria Medal of Honour.

Can't make the Chelsea Flower Show? Treat yourself to fresh flowers instead!

As well, several celebrities have appeared, including Dame Helen Mirren, Sienna Miller, Helena Bonham Carter (I met her once at a party several years ago), Ringo and Barbara Starr, Rod Stewart and Penny Lancaster. To see them and more red-carpet types, visit: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningpicturegalleries/
5345379/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2009-Celebrities-at-the-VIP-preview-day.html.  

Flower fans should be sure to check out the show’s new plants: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/gardeningpicturegalleries/
5349215/Chelsea-Flower-Show-2009-new-plants.html?image=12. My favorite is the Wedgwood Rose, introduced in honor of Wedgwood’s 250th birthday.

Other highlights, according to Bunny Guinness of the Daily Telegraph, include Robert Myers’ Garden for Cancer Research UK, The Future Nature Garden, The Key Garden, whose 10,000 plants were grown by homeless people and prisoners, and The Perfume Garden by Laurie Chetwood and Patrick Collins, where a new perfume called Elizabeth I is being launched. The garden’s theme is the development of perfume from that legendary queen’s time until the present.

That’s just scratching the surface, of course, because the show, which ends May 23, has between 40 and 50 gardens and more than 500 exhibitors. Read the full report and much more at: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/gardening/chelseaflowershow.  

Get yourself a nice cuppa and start browsing the blooms – there are so many terrific looking flowers that you’ll be inspired to spruce up your garden or at least splurge on a bunch or two to brighten up the holiday weekend.
 

Cymbidium orchids are the star of this bouquet by Teleflora.

Q How do I care for orchid plants at home? Is it possible to make them bloom in captivity?
A Actually, the idea of orchids being dainty and delicate isn’t true. They may look that way but in fact they are robust and don’t require kid-glove treatment. Tip No. 1 is to make sure that you are following the right care guidelines for your particular variety of orchid. Meanwhile, some general rules of thumb are:

*Give your orchid good ventilation with partial shade. Keep it away from radiators, AC and drafts.

*Find a way to keep the soil drained. Try setting the planter in a tray of pebbles and water so that the pot sits out of the water. This allows the moisture to circulate and should prevent the roots from rotting. Orchids get their water from humidity in the atmosphere, rather than from the soil.

*Orchids need a dormant period in the winter to bloom again in the spring, so let it rest in a sunny spot and don't water it. Then cross your fingers and hope for the best! ;)

For more info, visit:

The American Orchid Society's web site: http://www.aos.org/

http://www.teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/Myth-busting-101-Orchids-really-aren't-that-hard-to-grow.aspx  

http://www.teleflora.com/FLOWERBLOG/post/A-reader-offers-2-tricks-for-growing-orchids.aspx  
 

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



Color makes our world rich and beautiful, but the range of gorgeous tones we see every day is something that we often take for granted.

And there's more to the story than just being easy on the eye. Colors have strong physiological and psychological effects on people, including the power to stimulate, depress, and even help heal. Growing evidence suggests that different colors trigger a wide range of reactions and feelings in people.

Light therapists say that light is a nutrient to the body just as food is, and that we need light in different intensities and color ranges to regulate our biological clocks. Color studies have long played a role in marketing and product development of everything from fashion to cars.

Next time you're choosing which flowers to buy, try thinking about color and what message you are sending with the hue you choose.

Check out these colors and the meanings they convey.

Red - excitement, passion and aggressiveness, avoid reds for those with high blood pressure.

Yellow – warmth, sunshine, happiness, the best color to send to cheer someone up.

Orange – joy, enthusiasm, can produce an invigorating effect without raising blood pressure.

Green – health and fertility, green is the most restful color to the human eye.

White - the color of purity, elegance and neutrality.

Blue – security, authority, wisdom; often used to represent heaven.

Purple – suggests spirituality; 75 percent of preadolescent children prefer purple to all other colors and is one of the most universally accepted colors of all ages.

Black – embodies power, formality and mystery of death.

Brown – symbolizes the earth, order and dependability.
 

When you work for a flower company, it's a little hard to forget about Mother's Day. But for everyone else, it does happen.

And if you're pressed for time, buying flowers online is the expedient and elegant answer. All you have to do is choose a bouquet, fill out some info and you're good to go. Lovely flowers are a luxury for Mom and you don't have to guess her size, hope that someday she'll use that hi-tech gadget or work her way through a hefty bottle of new perfume.

Check these out for instance. All these bouquets can be used over and over again, once the flowers have faded. Sweet. And a bonus: Both of you will be entered in a $20,000 shopping spree!

So act now and show Mom she means the world to you, even if you're a little late with your shopping.

	Orchid Teacup Bouquet by Teleflora $46.95

	Teleflora's Polka Dots and Posies $39.95

	Teleflora's Daisy Colander Bouquet $56.95

	Teleflora's Spring Pitcher Bouquet $56.95

Her to-do list never ends. She’ll bail you out in a heartbeat. No one else makes lasagna quite as good as hers. She’s aces at the whole forgive-and-forget thing. When you were growing up, she had quite the resume: 24/7 teacher, chef, laundress, seamstress, day planner, entertainer and diplomat extraordinaire as well as on-call nurse, part-time chauffeur and full-time cheerleader. Even today, she’s a PR mastermind at touting your achievements!

For all our moms do, from making us laugh to making us better people, here’s to making their day with flowers. Oh, and btw, she still has that picture of you running around the back yard with your diaper falling down. Stay on her good side and make sure that “adorable” shot does not garner a wider audience -- don’t forget to call her this Sunday and see how she liked the bouquet. :)

Check out these pix if you still need inspiration. We love to see smiling moms so if you have some memorable photos, from this weekend, from 1958, 1979, 2002 or any great time with Mom, send them in and share!

 
Jay Dargan receives flowers designed by Sterling's Floral Design at 18252 Dallas Parkway, in Dallas, TX, 972-447-9151.


Pink blooms were clearly a hit with Stacey Harari. Her flowers were arranged by Petals & Stems at 13319 Montfort in Dallas, TX, 972-233-9037.


Flowers from Petals & Stems in Dallas helped create a special moment for Madelyn Gilley this Mother's Day.
 

On Teleflora.com, our Mother's Day shopping guide identifies various types of moms - for example, Super Mom, Gourmet Mom, Modern Mom, Classic Mom, etc. On the blog, I'm highlighting a series of real moms who exemplify each one of the categories.

Finding support and sharing common experiences has been a recurring theme for many of our real mom bloggers. And that's certainly true for today's Modern Mom Jennifer James, editor of the Mom Salon, http://www.themomsalon.com/.  

As Jennifer puts it: "I began blogging in 2004 because I needed to find community online. I was desperate for it. I was a mom with two toddlers and was going a little batty. I simply needed to talk with other mothers who were going through the same things I was and who also needed an outlet to share, network, and communicate."



Five Minutes with a Modern Mom

Q What was the biggest surprise for you as a mom?
A My biggest surprise as a mom is that it's not as tough as I thought. So far I've been able to manage motherhood quite well (knock on wood) and still remain committed to who I am as an individual and as a woman who still has ambitions in life. I wouldn't change a thing.

Q Tell me about a tough choice you made as a mom.
A One of the toughest choices I made as a mom was to start my own business. Being a businesswoman means sometimes I have to travel away from my family and I have to make sure some of my work is done before I can play with my daughters or just come together and share our day.

Even though it was a tough choice, I wouldn't change it for the world. I want my daughters to see me as a strong woman and mother. It is important to me to show them a good example of someone who values hard word, ingenuity, creativity and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Q What is your favorite piece of parenting advice and how did you acquire it?
A I have no idea where I heard this, but it has been with me for years: If your children know how to read well and know how to travel, then they will make it far in life.

Education is important to my husband and me, and we are raising daughters who ardently believe in the gift of traveling and exploring new places. I believe those two things will make them well-adjusted adults.

Q What inspires you?
A I am inspired by creativity and beauty.

Q What’s your favorite gadget?
A I have one gadget that I do not live without: my Peek. If there is one thing I believe, it's this: There is beauty in simplicity. My Peek does nothing but email, so when I'm traveling I can check my email only without all the bells and whistles of taking pictures, using the phone, getting on the Internet, etc.

I like simple.

Imagination Blooms puts a unique, modern twist on Mother's Day flowers.
 

Teleflora Flower Blog Sweepstakes (May)

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 MAY 7, 2009 AND ENDS AT 11:59 PM PST ON JUNE 6, 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 June 6, 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. 
 

On Teleflora.com, our Mother's Day shopping guide identifies various types of moms - for example, Super Mom, Gourmet Mom, Classic Mom, etc. On the blog, I'm highlighting a series of real moms who exemplify each one of the categories. 

"I’m a writer trapped in a mom’s body and I love it," says Super Mom Kathryn Thompson, a Seattle-area mother of two, who is expecting a third child. "I blog to capture the small moments of motherhood and to let other women know that they’re not the only ones baffled by and enamored with this strange new world of people-growing."

Catch up with Kathryn on a regular basis on her blog Daring Young Mom, www.daringyoungmom.



Five Minutes with a Super Mom

Q What job, prior to motherhood, best prepared you for being a mom?
A Serving food in the football players’ cafeteria during college. It was messy and frequently thankless but I had tender feelings towards the people I was serving.

Q What’s a lesson your child(ren) taught you?
A My children have taught me to keep trying no matter how many times I fail and that even if I fail completely, I’m not a loser.

Q What’s the greatest gift you hope to give your children?
A I want my children to know that they are loved and that they are worthy of all that love and more.

Q What is your favorite piece of parenting advice and how did you acquire it?
A Always say ‘yes’ unless you have a reason to say ‘no’ and are willing to explain it. My mom taught me this by example. I knew that ‘yes’ was her default answer so when she said ‘no’ it didn’t sting as much and knew that I could always ask why.

Q What inspires you?
A I am inspired by people who are comfortable in their own skins, who know their limits and are not constantly apologizing for them.

Q What would you do with a spare half-hour?
A Normally I’d take a spare half-hour to write but during this pregnancy any spare time is spent sleeping while the baby sucks the life force from my being.

Teleflora's Pink Wink will show Mom how much you appreciate her constant love and support.
 

On Teleflora.com, our Mother's Day shopping guide identifies various types of moms - for example, Super Mom, Gourmet Mom, Modern Mom, Classic Mom, etc. On the blog, I'm highlighting a series of real moms who exemplify each one of the categories.

In the spotlight today is Modern Mom Kelcey Kintner of The Mama Bird Diaries, http://www.mamabirddiaries.com/.  

Here's why she picked up a pen, figuratively speaking, of course: "I started blogging because as a former TV reporter/anchor, I really missed that daily creative outlet. Blogging allows me stay at home with my girls and pursue my non-fiction, humor writing. Plus, I love being a part of the parent blogging community."



Five Minutes with a Modern Mom

Q What was the biggest surprise for you as a mom?
A I knew my life would change but I just didn't realize how much I would change. Motherhood altered me forever. I worry more and stress more but love more deeply. I can't even imagine a life without out these two dazzling, beautiful little girls. They are my everything. And the things I used to worry about just seem so silly now.

Q Tell me about a challenge or a tough choice you made as a mom.
A My husband and I made the decision to change our daughter's name at 8 months old. I knew early on that the name just wasn't the right fit but I thought people would think we were crazy if we changed it. We finally went ahead and I have never regretted it for one moment. We changed her name from Presley to Summer. And she is perfectly Summer.

Q What is your favorite piece of parenting advice and how did you acquire it?
A Pick your battles. Yesterday, my daughters wanted to have their pudding dessert while they sat in their bubble bath. At first, I said no and then I thought, heck why not?! And they loved it. And my older daughter went to school for two months in the same Dora nightgown (I washed it nightly). At the end of the day, I would rather support their creative, free spirit and put my foot down about important things... like they have to hold my hand when we cross the street.

I'm sure I acquired the advice from other moms. That's where the best advice comes from. Those parenting books never helped me much at all.

Q What inspires you?
A My 4 1/2 year-old daughter inspires me when she takes the time to smell every tulip on the 20 minute walk to school (and there are A LOT). It inspires me to take the time to appreciate life. I am also inspired by compassion. When I see others doing good things or treating people with tremendous kindness, I am inspired to follow their lead.

Q As a Modern Mom, you typically have a very full plate and are juggling a number of different jobs. What’s your favorite way to de-stress and recharge?
A Honestly? Eating leftover Easter candy while watching "Gossip Girl." It takes a strong woman to admit that. Yoga also really helps me de-stress if I can drag myself to the gym. And blogging helps me recharge as well. It gives me the chance to focus on my own thoughts and creativity and it leaves me feeling very fulfilled.

Floral Fantasia makes a fantastic addition to any Mother's Day celebration.
 

Don't forget: this Sunday, May 10, is Mother's Day! If you're scrambling for the perfect gift, consider Mother's Day flowers. They're fresh, fragrant and super easy to send, with no worries about color, size, fit or calories.

Teleflora's fun Moms shopping guide will ensure that you make the best choice when you buy flowers for Mother's Day. The kinds of moms include Classic Moms, Super Moms, Stylish Moms, Down-to-Earth Moms, Gourmet Moms, Modern Moms and of course Grandmothers.

Meanwhile, I'm profiling real-life moms, who also run blogs, and talking to them about motherhood.

Today, meet  Super Mom Dee Dee of http://fiddledeedee.net/, http://reviews.fiddledeedee.net and http://twitter.com/fiddledeedee.  

Why did she start blogging? "Three years ago, my husband came home to find me face down on the carpet, fetal position, talking to myself. 'You need a blog,' he quipped. 'What’s a blog?' I asked, secretly hoping it was a drink adorned with a tiny umbrella. The isolation of staying at home while raising 3 small children was taking its toll. Thus, Fiddledeedee.net was birthed.

"I quickly discovered my people. There were lots of other moms out there in the same sinking boat that I was in. My blog has morphed into a place where moms from all walks of life can come, prop up their bunny-slippered feet, and laugh at our predicaments. Because after all, laughter is way cheaper than therapy."



Five Minutes with a Super Mom

Q What job, prior to motherhood, best prepared you for being a mom?
A I lived in Los Angeles for 10 years prior to getting married and having children. I supported myself for a time as a children’s entertainer at celebrity parties. I played Cinderella, Snow White, the Little Mermaid, and even put in some time as Big Bird. I learned the art of story telling, making balloon animals, face painting, and cutting with precision, a small portion of cake. It was at this time that I also perfected the “stink eye.” You know, that look you can give a kid that stops them dead in their tracks. Only now I don’t have to follow it with, “if you pull my tail one more time, I’m going to sit on you.”

Q What’s a lesson your child(ren) taught you?
A Never ever turn your back on the 4-year-old while he’s in the bathroom. He has been known to stick his head in the toilet and flush himself. He has also been caught licking the seat. I still shudder.

Q What’s the greatest gift you hope to give your children?
A That they can rest in the knowledge that their parents will always love them and accept them, no matter what. No matter how crazy they make us.

And my husband and I rest in the knowledge that when we’re old and gray, we will live with them, and they will have to drive us around. While we sit in the backseat and bicker with one another.

Q What is your favorite piece of parenting advice and how did you acquire it?
A When I attended a MOPS group some years ago, a woman whose children were all grown up came and talked to us. I’ll never forget the tears in her eyes, when she said, “I would give everything I have, just to have my one more day with my children when they were young.”

Enjoy them while they’re little. In the blink of an eye, they’ll be gone. Sob. Sob.

Q What inspires you?
A Large amounts of caffeine. Friends. Laughter. And if I can have all three at once, I’m golden.

Teleflora's Strikingly Chic bouquet features a burst of bright fresh flowers, including roses, dahlias and gerberas.
 

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.

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

Will you make the same mistake twice? Not likely, given your natural practicality and common sense. But beware: A new development in your personal life may lead to recklessness (yes, recklessness) if you're not even more careful than usual. Trust your gut, stay true to yourself and you will triumph! A financial worry will subside by midmonth.




   Aquarius: Jan. 21-Feb. 19 / Flower: Orchid
 
A cold case file will open with a bang. It may or may not have a romantic slant. Regardless, don't worry about crafting the "right" script or creating the "right" look before seeing this person again. The reunion will bring joy and understanding, and will lead to a grand moment of self-discovery. In fact, this month will be full of pivotal moments. Make a point of giving back on the 18th.




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

An affair of the heart will need to be assessed and addressed. Be honest, be gentle, be patient; especially with yourself. Then remember that most people try their best, but they may lack your depth and maturity. At the same time, it's OK to indulge your natural tendency to nurture. Be sure to reward yourself for a job well done around midmonth. The 22nd-25th will be lucky days!




   Aries: March 21-April 20 / Flower: Tulip
 
This month you are ready to let your hair down and have some fun! Why not try something totally different – a night of flamenco dancing, say. Also, you may reconnect with a childhood acquaintance. Resist the urge to judge this person and instead cherish the rich history of your friendship. You will overcome a small hurdle on the 14th.




   Taurus: April 21-May 21 / Flower: Lily
 
Clearing a closet or doing some spring cleaning will lead to the mental clarity you need to make a decision. Also remember that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Around the 22nd, you may need to make a graceful exit: simply smile and step back. If a friend asks you to lend your professional services, be wary of donating too much time for free.




   Gemini: May 22-June 21 / Flower: Rose
 
You may be called on to give a speech or make toast at a special event. Funny is good but if that doesn’t feel right, just come prepared and you’ll be terrific. And any event is even more special with fresh flowers! Indulge your passion for the arts at the end of the month. On the romance front, if single, don’t put all your eggs in one basket; if attached, don’t lose sight of your indie spirit.




   Cancer: June 22-July 22 / Flower: Delphinium

A promise or promotion that seemed a sure thing goes off kilter. Turns out, that's not a setback so much as a catalyst to craft a new and better plan. Let yourself be disappointed, then rebound by setting goals, creating a timetable and making it happen. In the end, you'll be grateful for the detour. This is a great time to plan that vacation you've been thinking about.



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

Remember these beautiful words from William Blake: "No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings." This will be a month of delightful independence and exciting exploration for you. The trick is staying in exploration mode, ie don't commit to any thing major and don't take the first thing that's offered just because it's there. Just have fun and see where all that Leo charm takes you. It's the journey, not the destination that counts, after all.




   Virgo: Aug. 23-Sept. 23 / Flower: Daisy
 
Your loyalty at work is laudable but be on the lookout for new opps. And when job hunting, if you want to move up a level, don't fall into the trap of thinking you must be able to list on your resume everything a higher-level job requires. As long as your other qualifications and experience are solid and you're a quick study, go for it. Otherwise, you'll limit yourself to a lateral move. Don't be afraid to flirt on the 18th!



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

Treasure what you have, especially when it comes to relationships. This is a great time to mix things up a bit with your sweetie – take him out for a surprise picnic on a sunny afternoon, for example. You will achieve a major fitness goal by the month’s end. Oh and that annoying co-worker? Try to find one thing you like about him/her. There’s gotta be something!



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

Be open to the joy of love in all its forms, not just the Hollywood romance variety. A change in your living situation will open many exciting doors for you, literally and figuratively! Meanwhile, you are now questioning the wisdom of a major purchase that you made in the last few months. But don’t be too hard on yourself. You did your homework and there’s no way you could’ve predicted those, uh, bumps.



   Sagittarius: Nov. 23-Dec. 21 / Flower: Carnation
 
Patience, patience, Ms. Sag. There are three things you've been coveting; chances are by the time you read this you'll have No. 1. Do what you can to secure the rest, send your wish to the universe and then chillax. At work, a mysterious ally makes your life easier. Be careful with money this month. On the social scene: throw caution to the wind on the 25th.


Flower Fact of the Day: Pink roses convey admiration, appreciation and gratitude, which makes them the perfect bloom for Mother’s Day!