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Go Green for this Holiday Season

Flower Fundamentals: Trends for Celebrating the Holidays in Style

Go Green for a Red-Hot Season

The winter holiday season is the No. 1 floral-buying time of year. With that in mind, the Society of American Florists (SAF) has teamed with the host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design Rebecca Cole to showcase the floral trends that will give homes a festive feeling this holiday season.

“Because we're returning to our roots and hosting intimate celebrations at home, we'll see more traditional colors, and greenery, whose scents will bring us back to our childhood,” said Cole, who also is a contributor to the Today show.

The Traditional Meaning of Greenery
Great holiday arrangements begin with greenery. In ancient cultures, people believed that bringing foliage into the home during the season was lucky and guaranteed the return of vegetation in the spring. Even today, green remains a staple in holiday decor.

Rebecca's Tips for Sprucing Up Your Home:
• Incorporate a scented pine or other greens into a centerpiece or table arrangement. Accent the greens with flowers that complement the home's d�cor.
• Ask your florist for a bunch of evergreen, cypress or mistletoe to place throughout your home – over the threshold, in the foyer or on the mantel.
• Line a mantel or dining table with small evergreen topiaries or “baby” Christmas trees decorated with bows or flowers.
• Florists carry a wide selection of poinsettias in pink, peach, white, plum and speckled or marbled varieties, in addition to the traditional red.
According to Cole, “Whether it's a gift or for home d�cor, ‘colorful greenery' is a thoughtful and long-lasting way to send holiday cheer.”

Gifts of Abundance
It is well known that people remember receiving flowers. According to a recent study by SAF and The Michael Cohen Group, 92 percent of women remember the last time they received flowers. Because they are a time when memories are made, there is no better time than the holidays for sending a sentiment of caring. “Sending flowers for the holidays is the gift of emotion,” Cole said. “The season has a way of conjuring up feelings of nostalgia. We think about grandma's house, the cozy fireplace, the great feast and good times with family and friends. Flowers and plants are the finishing touch that make the holidays complete.”
From wreaths to centerpieces, bulb plants and topiaries, Cole shares her best bets for holiday winners.
• Amaryllis and Paper White Narcissus are examples of bulb plants that if given after Thanksgiving or in early December, will be bloom just in time for Christmas. Cyclamen, kalanchoe and Christmas cactus are other great flowering plant options.
• Ask your florist to design an arrangement incorporating fruits and vegetables to create a winter harvest feeling.
• Candles added to a centerpiece create a sense of warmth and glow to the holiday table. Shiny decorative balls incorporated into a centerpiece will reflect the light for an even more festive feel.
Holiday Soirees
According to Cole, this year's designs will be all about simple elegance with a flair for fun. “If you don't have a white Christmas on the outside, bring it inside, with big bunches of anemones or other white flowers,” Cole said.
Cole has this advice for creating festive, colorful tables for dinner, brunch or even cocktail hour.
• Florists are now creating beautiful flower arrangements using colorful poinsettias and amaryllis – now available as cut flowers – for a stylish centerpiece.
• Decorate a brunch table with splashes of morning hues, including oranges, yellows and reds in decorative containers, or even champagne flutes.
• Fill a round Christmas ornament or other small holiday container with small bunches of flowers to use as place card holders for guests.
• 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.
• Arrangements and centerpieces in robust hues of purple and burgundy will create a sensuous, lush setting for dinners, both intimate and large. • If you are attending a holiday gathering, ask your florist to deliver a cheerful arrangement or holiday plant before you arrive. When you show up, you'll be the talk of the evening.

For more of Rebecca Cole's and SAF's holiday and gift giving ideas, visit www.aboutflowers.com.

Boss's Day Flowers

Flowers are the best communicators and can express your feelings better than words. They have distinct powers to exhilarate emotions by bringing your true feelings to the forefront. In effect, flowers are omnipresent on all occasions and celebrations and form an integral part of happiness. The vibrant colors, the freshness of their look and the aromatic effect, which they create, articulate your feelings just in the manner you feel for the person, whom you are presenting them with. Thus, they have dominated at all junctures of joyful bliss.When you are in any confusion, flowers are the lender of the last resort. They are just the perfect gift you can choose, when in confusion. Just as birthdays, anniversaries and holistic occasions cannot go without the existence of flowers, it is very hard to let go an occasion such as Boss Day as well. It may be very difficult to choose a gift for your boss as you may be completely clueless about his liking, but flowers are a hit always. Flowers are the best gift you can opt for, to give your boss. You have a wide range of flowers, which you can choose from to give your boss. There is an endless list of flowers such as roses, carnations, tulips, orchids, gerberas, lilies, iris, etc that can be presented on such an occasion. Even the floral arrangement can be of various styles right from a bunch to bouquets of various impressive styles. You can even choose between a singular flower arrangement and a mixed flower arrangement. Even if you do not know what each flower stands for, the colorful sight of the flowers would convey the respect and the admiration you feel for your boss. If you are arranging a party for him at your office or even at an outside place, flowers are the best items to decorate the party place with. The invigorating beauty of the flowers is sure to make your boss have an enthralling experience. Take keen notice that you also chip in to write a message for your boss on each of the bouquet presented to him. While the flowers will wilt away with time, this small act of love and gratitude will be imprinted on the heart of your boss for years to come. So, just go ahead and treat your boss with exotic flowers to make the day a little more special.

This information came from: http://www.thebossday.com/boss-day-flower.html

Random Acts of Flowers

M.J. Ryan, happiness expert and author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series, has coupled her expertise on the power of gratitude with her love of flowers to create Random Acts of Flowers, a list of her favorite reasons to send a floral gift.“I see flowers as a way to capture special moments and emotions in life,” says Ryan. “People truly and fondly remember when they get flowers, and you will continue to feel thanked throughout your relationship long after you send them.”
Here are Ryan’s Top 10 Random Acts of Flowers:
One Who Makes a Difference: Think of the carpool mom, scout leader, local volunteer or apartment doorman who makes an everyday difference in your life. A surprise bouquet is a convenient, informal way to say “Thanks for making my life easier.”
Wedding Arrangements: When asking a friend to join your wedding party or expressing thanks to a shower hostess, ask your florist to help make it special by delivering an arrangement in advance of the big day.

Best Friend Boosts: Send a celebrational bunch to a best friend who lands a dream job, a sibling who receives a promotion at work, or a friend who reaches a personal milestone. Show them you care about their success.

A Moment of Calm: Help someone dealing with a hectic time in their life relax with a tranquil gift of flowers. Your florist can give you ideas on soothing colors and styles, and help you deliver that “moment of calm.” The recipient will be impressed by your thoughtfulness.

Life Lessons: Surprise your child’s teacher or tutor with an eye-popping arrangement for his/her desk. Ask your child to put his/her favorite teaching moment on the gift card to make a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Lifeguard Reward: Send flowers to thank your baby-sitter or pet sitter as a surprise thank-you for safely guarding your most prized possessions.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Welcome a new family or delight an elderly neighbor who does not get out much with a colorful flowering plant or fresh flowers for their kitchen. It’s a great way to break the ice, meet a friend and show you care.

Fresh Squeeze: Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to say “I love you.” Research shows that people like to receive flowers when they least expect it. Send a surprise floral hug to make your romance spontaneously blossom. Or, on your birthday, send flowers to your mom to thank her for all she’s done for you.

Delivery is in the Details: Show your appreciation to your hair stylist who always manages to fit you in during a pinch, or your doctor who spends those extra minutes to show he/she cares.

Declare You Care: Send a bouquet to celebrate a friend who has recovered from an illness or a new mom on her first day back to work. It will be a beautiful reminder of your support and friendship.

“Flowers are the perfect expression of gratitude and appreciation, and they deliver a message with sincerity and care,” says Ryan. “The new research shows that these positive characteristics also are attributed to the giver. Giving flowers is an act of kindness, and the results are anything but random.”

This information provided by the Society of American florist and About Flowers.com

Harrisburg Magizine Reader's Choice Award

Thank you to everyone who voted for us and made us the Reader's Choice Florist for 2009! We will continue to serve you and look forward to another great year of service!

Get Hip to the Flower Fundamentals: How to be the Savviest, Most Sophisticated Gift Giver of All Time

Camp Hill, PA – At one time or another, most everyone has experienced the near indescribable joy of receiving flowers. But how much do we really know about sending great floral gifts? According to recent research by The Michael Cohen Group, both women and men want to know more about buying flowers with confidence.

To deliver abundant floral know-how, the Society of American Florists (SAF) teamed up with floral and interior designer Rebecca Cole, author of Flower Power and co-host of Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design. Together, they developed the Flower Fundamentals, helping people to become the savviest, most sophisticated floral gift givers they can be.

“It's easy to become a connoisseur of flowers and plants,” Cole said. “And, like knowing about fine wines or great foods, knowing even the basics about flowers will help people feel more self-assured throughout their lives, from gift-giving to weddings to entertaining.”

Introducing The Hip Giver's Guide

SAF and Cole created Flower Fundamentals: The Hip Giver's Guide, a month-by-month resource to flowers that are in style, a library of flower and plant varieties, holiday tips and advice, fresh floral research and much, much more. The Hip Giver's Guide is ideal for those who want tips on how to choose a local florist, read up on popular varieties of flowers, get design ideas and more.

What Hip Givers Know

The Michael Cohen Group research reveals just how much people love to give and receive flowers. Ninety-two percent of women can remember the last time they received flowers, and 97 percent of men and women recall the last time they gave a floral gift.

The hundreds of women and men surveyed described a gift of flowers as unlike any other because flowers create lasting memories and make people – both givers and receivers – feel cared about and special. The fleeting nature of flowers also encourages people to appreciate flowers when they are beautiful and vibrant.

“With a gift of flowers, you know that someone is thinking of you right now, this very minute,” Cole said. “It's the memory of the gift and the emotions that last forever.”

What Hip Givers Said

88% say flowers can change your mood for the better
99% agree that a person who gives flowers is thoughtful
89% believe that someone who gives flowers is sophisticated
83% would like to receive flowers when they are not expecting them

What Hip Givers Don't Know

While the majority of floral gifts are purchased from a local florist shop, the top five things gift givers don't know about their neighborhood florist include:
They are design professionals with the artistic ability to create different looks to suit different occasions Many local shops offer several convenient means of ordering, including phone lines and Web sites accessible 24 hours a day
Shop owners are connected with thousands of other local florists across the country and internationally, and can ensure your customized arrangement is sent on time to just about anywhere
Even the smallest of community florists has access to a wide variety of fresh flowers and plants on a daily basis

Local florists offer a variety of customer service extras, including how-to workshops, rewards programs, reminder services and more. “Let your florist be your personal gift consultant,” Cole said. “Tap into their knowledge to learn more about flowers, or let them simply make you look good. It's up to you.” Log on to http://development2.safnow.org/hipguide.htm to become one of the savviest, most sophisticated and perfect gift givers of all time.

Background
The independent research, including focus groups and a nationwide survey of 800 consumers, was conducted by The Michael Cohen Group of New York City (January 2005).

Harvard Study Investigates the Home Ecology of Flowers Behavioral Research Concludes: Living with Flowers Strengthens Feelings of Compassion, and Decreases Anxiety and Worry


(CAMP HILL, PA) – With people’s desire for tranquility and stress relief stronger than ever, fresh research takes an insightful look at flowers and the important role they may play in our daily lives. A behavioral research study conducted by Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, reveals that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home. “Other research has proven that flowers make people happy when they receive them,” Etcoff says. “What we didn’t know is that spending a few days with flowers in the home can affect a wide variety of feelings.”The Home Ecology of Flowers Study at Harvard uncovered three main findings:

Flowers feed compassion.

Study participants who lived with fresh cut flowers for less than a week felt an increase in feelings of compassion and kindness for others.

Flowers chase away anxieties, worries and the blues at home.

Overall, people in the study simply felt less negative after being around flowers at home for just a few days. Participants most frequently placed flowers in their kitchens, dining rooms and living rooms, where they spend a lot of time at home. They reported wanting to see the blooms first thing in the morning.

Living with flowers can provide a boost of energy, happiness and enthusiasm at work.

Having flowers at home can have a positive carry-over impact on our mood at work, too. The study found that people were more likely to feel happier and have more enthusiasm and energy at work when flowers were in their home living environments.

“As a psychologist, I’m particularly intrigued to find that people who live with flowers report fewer episodes of anxiety and depressed feelings,” Etcoff says. “Our results suggest that flowers have a positive impact on our well being.”
###

The Home Ecology of Flowers Research MethodologyNancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School and her research team investigated the effects of flowers in the home environment on well being. Fifty-four people, ages 25-60, were studied using a series of self-report measures allowing the research team to know where the person was, with whom and what they were doing when they experienced an emotion, both when flowers were and were not present. Half of the participants received a “control” home décor item, other than flowers, to ensure study validity. After living with either flowers or the control intervention for approximately one week, participants rated their feelings during specific periods of the day, recording emotions during each episode. The research team also took photographs before and after flowers were delivered to determine any changes in use or appearance of the room.

About Dr. Nancy EtcoffDr. Nancy Etcoff is a faculty member of the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard University Mind/Brain/Behavior Initiative and a practicing psychologist at the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Psychiatry where she is the Director of the Program in Aesthetics and Well Being. At Harvard, she currently teaches a course entitled “The Science of Happiness.”

Organizing Expert Helps Homeowners Aviod the Dash and Stash when the Doorbell Rings

Organize & Beautify with Vicki Norris

How to Avoid the Dash and Stash When the Doorbell Rings

Ding dong. Gasp! Most people can relate to feelings of angst when a friend or neighbor stops by without warning and your home is not at all company-ready. Embarrassed, you make your way to the door, tidying as you go, and stand in the doorway shielding the disorganization within.
Organizing expert Vicki Norris calls this phenomenon the dash and stash, when we frantically rush around hiding clutter, hanging up coats, or even strategically placing a plant or floral arrangement, before opening the door."Many people stuff things in the nearest closet at these moments," says Vicki Norris, organizing expert, author of Restoring Order™ to Your Home, and featured expert on HGTV's Mission: Organization. "But you still have to deal with the closet later. To turn panic into poise at the doorway, I recommend people strive to keep the most visible spaces of their home organized 24/7. It's not nearly as hard as it sounds."According to Norris, organizing doesn't have to translate into time-consuming, it's just a matter of figuring out what systems work best for you and your lifestyle. It boils down to prioritizing projects, finding purpose for each space and personalizing one's home. Here is Norris' how-to for the top three most important spaces in which to create inviting, hospitable spaces that are always ready for company - even when you aren't.

The Entry Way a.k.a. The Drop Zone

Because the entry way is the easiest place to drop shoes, coats and handbags, and it is the first space that guests see, the focus in this area is clutter control. Implementing a clutter capture system is the key. People must determine what types of items are dropped here, and then consider the ideal way to manage it.

First, to help identify your storage solutions, judge the quantity of each item that lands in the foyer or entryway. Look around. Do you see a handful of coats or an entire closet full? Do you spy a few shoes or a shoe mountain?

Second, select and install your storage solutions, whether they are hooks, bins, shelving, benches or other furnishings. Think about your aesthetic preferences. If you simply prefer not to see clutter, perhaps you should purchase a narrow armoire to neatly store your belongings.

Third and last, personalize your entryway. Make it yours! Welcome your guests with an inviting display of family photos, a favorite collection, or fresh flowers to suit the season. Having these items on tables actually will prevent future clutter from collecting. Also, a strategically placed floor plant can divert attention from less appealing areas.

The Kitchen a.k.a. The Command Center

The kitchen naturally and almost effortlessly has a way of accumulating papers, mail and a variety of misplaced possessions. Yet, it happens to be the most popular place in the home to invite guests. According to Norris, the mission here is search and sort.
Incoming! Dedicate real estate for daily drop-offs such as mail and newspapers to be sorted into actionable categories.
Create a plan of attack, including a reference binder to create a permanent home for take-out menus, coupons, gift certificates, membership cards, and commonly reached-for retailer numbers such as the dry cleaner, florist, hair stylist and movie theatre.
Strategically place a trash, recycle and shred receptacle, essential tools for eliminating junk and keeping the paper from piling up.
Create a communication command center by setting aside a place to take and leave messages, and write notes to family. And, use your computer as a tool to manage the household calendar.

The Family Room a.k.a. The Home's Highway

This household superhighway is the most trafficked room in the home, and that can lead to roadway rubbish. Norris recommends determining the rooms' direction, de-littering, and finding homes for nomadic items such as backpacks, toys, magazines and everything in between.
Decide upon your family room’s direction. For example, should it be an off-ramp of the kitchen or an entertainment hub where you will gather to play games? Being intentional will help set boundaries for how many uses the room has.
Set up a “go-elsewhere” basket, so at the end of each day you can relocate items that don’t belong in the family room to their proper place.
Don’t be a litter bug! Keep surfaces such as ottomans and tables clear, so you can put up your feet or pull out a puzzle.
Beautify your interior landscape with flowers or a plant to reclaim the space and make it a nice place to spend time in.
"Perfection is unattainable and should never be the goal," says Norris. "I want people to feel good in their surroundings and when it comes to organizing, one size does not fit all. By clearing out the clutter and reclaiming your space, you create more time for the things that are truly important in your life."And how can we maintain our newfound order? There is a simple way for people to inspire themselves to keep public spaces organized says Norris: "Personalize and beautify your space. Placing flowers or a favorite accessory where clutter typically congregates does two things: it brightens the room and prevents future messes from settling there."Once the public spaces of your home are sorted out, Norris suggests taking the next step toward a guest-ready home - beautifying."Organizing is the first critical step to increasing the functionality and enjoyment of your home. After you've put in the effort to make better use of your space and establish systems, beautifying your home can be an incentive to maintain your newfound order."The following are Norris' four favorite finishes, along with her organizing advice.

Fab Finish #1: Flowers and Plants

According to Norris, flowers and plants are two elements of décor that do not actually create new clutter. Not only do they uplift and warm a room, they also prevent clutter from building up, when they are placed on surfaces and tables to avoid accumulation. Finally, Norris suggests sending flower arrangements or potted plants as gifts to help brighten others' moods and spaces.

Fab Finish #2: Family Photos

Not only are photos of loved ones cherished, but they can be neatly displayed in just about any public area of the home. You can declutter surfaces by arranging frames on the wall instead of propped on tables. Photos give a sense of history, belonging, and fellowship and can brighten any hallway or room.

Fab Finish #3: Marvelous Memories

Nothing personalizes a room better than a collection of family heirlooms. Items such as antique vases, musical instruments, or teacups that have been passed down make great conversation pieces and add personality to any room. The key is to display your collection artfully and with simplicity.

Fab Finish #4: Everyday Extraordinary

Even ordinary items like purses can be organized in a way that maximize access and add beauty to the home. Norris herself displays her own handbag collection on vintage hooks in her closet. Her daily purse contents can then be easily transferred to any purse of her choice to complement the outfit of the day! Norris recommends that as you organize your everyday belongings, you think about those interesting items (like handbags) that you could display for enhanced enjoyment and ease of use.

New University Research Proves It Can Be Better to Give than to Recieve

(Camp Hill, PA) – Happy birthday, congratulations, thank you, I love you, thinking of you. Each day, millions of gifts are exchanged by people who want to send thoughtful regards to deserving friends and loved ones. According to research from Rutgers University, the presents we pick to convey our special messages say a lot about us. Rutgers University researcher Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., director of the university’s Human Emotions Lab, explored what the gifts we choose say about who we are and whether they affect how we are perceived. The research reveals that those who send flowers, in comparison to other gifts, are viewed as successful, caring and emotionally intelligent people.

More specific findings include:

Both men and women who give flowers are perceived as happy, achieving, strong, capable and courageous people; Men and women come across as more emotionally intelligent; they give the impression they can effectively express their feelings and take time to understand the feelings of others; and Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature. “Our findings show that you can influence and change what people think of you in a significant way through the gifts you give,” says Haviland-Jones. “That news is particularly important to those interested in enhancing friendships and romances, even business relationships.” Discovering the scientific power of flowers is not new to Haviland-Jones. Previous Rutgers University research conducted by her team found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Specifically, upon receiving a gift of flowers, the female study participants responded with true smiles and reported positive moods that lasted for days. The presence of flowers also led to increased contact with family and friends. “Flowers have evolved to activate positive emotional responses from people,” says Haviland-Jones. “Each bloom has the potential to put a smile on our face and sway our opinion of a friend, colleague or loved one. That’s powerful.” M.J. Ryan, award-winning author of the Random Acts of Kindness book series and The Giving Heart, uses cutting-edge science to bring out the best in people. In her books, she teaches individuals how gratitude and generosity can result in greater happiness, health and feelings of human connectivity. “Gift recipients experience compelling connections with givers, and the positive link is particularly evident in the exchange of flowers,” says Ryan. “In my everyday work with individuals, CEOs and leadership teams at some of the world’s top global companies, I see the powerful implications of gratitude and appreciation.” According to Ryan, a simple call to the florist can make a big impact beyond conventional gifting occasions. Some of her favorite, unexpected gifting opportunities include surprise recognition for a job well done; an

“I miss you” gift for an out-of-town family member; and an advance “thanks for hosting us” gesture before visiting a friend’s house. “A successful person is not necessarily someone with a lot of money and material goods, but rather someone who is in tune with people and knows how to touch their hearts,” says Ryan. “I can think of no other item besides flowers that evokes such positive feelings and perceptions for both the giver and the recipient.”
Ryan has coupled her expertise on the power of gratitude with her love of flowers to create Random Acts of Flowers, a list of her favorite reasons to send a floral gift. “I see flowers as a way to capture special moments and emotions in life,” says Ryan. “People truly and fondly remember when they get flowers, and you will continue to feel thanked throughout your relationship long after you send them.” Here are Ryan’s Top 10 Random Acts of Flowers:
One Who Makes a Difference: Think of the carpool mom, scout leader, local volunteer or apartment doorman who makes an everyday difference in your life. A surprise bouquet is a convenient, informal way to say “Thanks for making my life easier.”

Wedding Arrangements: When asking a friend to join your wedding party or expressing thanks to a shower hostess, ask your florist to help make it special by delivering an arrangement in advance of the big day.

Best Friend Boosts: Send a celebrational bunch to a best friend who lands a dream job, a sibling who receives a promotion at work, or a friend who reaches a personal milestone. Show them you care about their success.

A Moment of Calm: Help someone dealing with a hectic time in their life relax with a tranquil gift of flowers. Your florist can give you ideas on soothing colors and styles, and help you deliver that “moment of calm.” The recipient will be impressed by your thoughtfulness.

Life Lessons: Surprise your child’s teacher or tutor with an eye-popping arrangement for his/her desk. Ask your child to put his/her favorite teaching moment on the gift card to make a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Lifeguard Reward: Send flowers to thank your baby-sitter or pet sitter as a surprise thank-you for safely guarding your most prized possessions.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Welcome a new family or delight an elderly neighbor who does not get out much with a colorful flowering plant or fresh flowers for their kitchen. It’s a great way to break the ice, meet a friend and show you care.

Fresh Squeeze: Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day to say “I love you.” Research shows that people like to receive flowers when they least expect it. Send a surprise floral hug to make your romance spontaneously blossom. Or, on your birthday, send flowers to your mom to thank her for all she’s done for you.

Delivery is in the Details: Show your appreciation to your hair stylist who always manages to fit you in during a pinch, or your doctor who spends those extra minutes to show he/she cares.
Declare You Care: Send a bouquet to celebrate a friend who has recovered from an illness or a new mom on her first day back to work. It will be a beautiful reminder of your support and friendship. “Flowers are the perfect expression of gratitude and appreciation, and they deliver a message with sincerity and care,” says Ryan. “The new research shows that these positive characteristics also are attributed to the giver. Giving flowers is an act of kindness, and the results are anything but random.”

# # # Research Methodology Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., of Rutgers University, and her research team investigated the personal and perceived impact of gift-giving. The study recruited 150 ethnically diverse female study participants, who had a median age of 47. Participants studied 12 personal profiles (six men and six women), including contributions to work, charity and family, with the sole variable being the types of gifts they give – flowers, gourmet food or luxury items such as jewelry. Each profile was evaluated on positive and negative emotion, aesthetic appreciation, emotional intelligence and achievement. About Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D. Jeannette Haviland-Jones, Ph.D., is a professor of psychology at Rutgers University and the director of its Human Emotions Lab. An internationally recognized authority on the role of emotional development in human behavior and nonverbal emotional signals and response, Haviland-Jones has published several books on adolescence and emotion and is co-editor of the Handbook of Emotion, for which she won a Critics Circle Award. About M.J. Ryan Inspirational author and coach M.J. Ryan co-created the best-selling Random Acts of Kindness book series, The Happiness Makeover, This Year I Will… and several other books on giving and gratitude. An expert in human fulfillment and giving, she makes speeches and holds workshops throughout the country on positive emotions and enhancing quality of life. Ryan’s advice has appeared in more than 1,000 newspapers and magazines including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Family Circle and Cosmopolitan. Her television appearances include The Today Show and CNN.

VITAMIN F AND FLOWERS

Get Your Daily Dose of Vitamin F:Nature’s Remedy for Emotional Energy
Personal Fulfillment

Expert RevealsFlowers Fuel the Soul and Create Inspiring Spaces

(Camp Hill, PA) – From A to E, vitamins are responsible for strengthening our senses, bolstering our bones and invigorating our bodies from the inside out. Research proves that flowers, being dubbed by some as Vitamin F, help feed our need for serenity, inspiration, wellness, gratitude, love and optimism.Mind and matter are interconnected, according to personal fulfillment expert and best-selling author Jayme Barrett, as she points to university research studies linking flowers with happiness, creativity, compassion and tranquility. Barrett’s interiors expertise coupled with the floral investigations demonstrate that flowers hold an intrinsic, natural energy that, when used throughout the home, can create positive shifts in emotions, and lead to truly inspired living.“People and flowers both have a life force that needs oxygen to thrive, and light and water to live. And, when we are surrounded by nature, our emotions are calmed and harmonized,” says Barrett, who has applied the principles of Zen and feng shui to floral design. Her philosophy is that we can cultivate idyllic atmospheres by purposefully integrating flowers throughout our living space.In fact, research from America’s leading universities has cemented the connection that flowers have both scientific and emotional powers. As early as 2000, Rutgers University found that flowers create instant delight and happiness, and increase enjoyment and life satisfaction. Most recently, a Harvard University study introduced small bouquets of flowers into people’s morning routines and discovered that respondents immediately perked up, much like they would with a morning vitamin.“We need and deserve simple ways of creating homes where we feel happy and harmonious by disconnecting from the hectic pace of the world outside,” says Barrett. “Flowers are a wonderful way to ease the stress of everyday life and refocus our emotions more constructively.”So that anyone can introduce a range of positive floral energies in the home, Barrett shares a simple, do-it-yourself guide to creating Vitamin F arrangements. Her seven soul-stimulating energies include gratitude, wellness, inspiration and motivation, love and romance, new beginnings, serenity, and prosperity. Her floral formula factors in color combination, shape and significance, vase style, placement in the home and flower variety.
Barrett’s Blueprints for Mood-

Boosting Vitamin F

Gratitude: Reminds us to be grateful for the little blessings in life

Key Colors: A low, clustered arrangement in all shades of pink symbolizes opening the heart and making others more receptive to you.Vase Style: A glass container of any size is fitting, as its transparency exhibits openness.In the Home: To start and end the day counting your blessings, place this depiction of gratitude on a nightstand, dresser or in the kitchen.Suggested Flower Options: Ranunculus, alstroemeria, tulips, spray roses

Wellness: Evokes balanced feelings of mind, body and spirit

Key Color: Yellow is the primary color for this emotional energy, as it represents the sun, life force and health. Supplement a big burst of blooms with greens, which induce nature’s healing energy, and white, which reflects serenity.Vase Style: Choose an oval or round, terra-cotta, wood or bamboo container to replicate the Earth’s element, providing grounding and balance.

In the Home: Locate this energy in the living room or family room to enhance the space of relaxation, meditation and family connection.Suggested Flower Options: Gerbera, carnations, solidago, hydrangea (white or green), callas, pompons, chrysanthemums

Inspiration and Motivation: Infuses the soul with rejuvenating energy

Key Color: Red epitomizes motivation, fame, courage and power. Design an up-shooting spray that also includes sensuous, rich orange and fuchsia, which suggest enthusiasm and exuberance.Vase Style: A tall mirrored or shiny metal container of any kind will stoke inspiration. Mirrors boost positive energies and bring good luck, which will circulate through all endeavors.
In the Home: The home office is an ideal place to inject motivational energy — or the power of now. Anyone will feel encouraged to reach for the stars and live life to the fullest.Suggested Flower Options: Roses, callas, Asiatic lilies, snapdragons, hypericum

Love and Romance: Sparks intimate connections and blossoming love

Key Color: A tight bunch of flowers flush with burgundy and red embodies feelings of passion and romance. Incorporating lush pinks and peaches will help invite love and inspire kindness.Vase Style: A circular vase is the perfect shape for never-ending love.In the Home: Spark feelings of adoration during a meal in the kitchen or dining room. As you nourish your body, you will be dually energized by love and encouraged to show your affection throughout the day and night. Flowers are a great addition to the bedroom too.Suggested Flower Options: Stock, roses, alstroemeria

New Beginnings: Welcomes change with open arms and mind

Key Color: Stimulate joy, enthusiasm and excitement with a simple arrangement featuring the color orange. Complement it with white — the color of purity and freshness — and green, characterizing new opportunity and growth.Vase Style: A square, ceramic vase brings an earthy energy, proclaiming that while the sky’s the limit, it’s good to keep your feet firmly rooted on the ground.In the Home: Put the spirit of new horizons on display on a mantle or coffee table, where it will instill faith, creativity and endless possibility.Suggested Flower Options: Gerbera, carnations, Asiatic lilies, spray roses, alstroemeria

Serenity: Allows our minds to unwind and release tension, bringing a sense of calm to our lives

Key Color: Loosely arranged hues of blue, violet and lavender evoke serenity and will help clear the mind of stress. Blue represents the ocean and sky, while shades of purple invoke spiritual energy.Vase Style: A cobalt blue glass vase represents inner wisdom and will help add balance. The blue is yin (soft, curving, cyclical) and the glass is yang (straight, shiny, linear) for a perfect equilibrium.
In the Home: Setting this in the entryway will set the tone for tranquility as you step inside your home from the chaotic world outside.Suggested Flower Options: Hydrangea, delphinium, lisianthus, stock

Prosperity: Stimulates action and indicates success and richness

Key Color: Let red or deep purple dominate this abundant arrangement, intimating accomplishment and wealth. Accent with shades of gold, the preeminent color for good health and fortune.Vase Style: Select a metallic, perhaps golden container, representing a pot of gold.In the Home: Give your home a boost by placing this inspirational bouquet where you welcome guests or potential buyers.Suggested Flower Options: Lilies, roses, lisianthus, snapdragons

“We all strive to surround ourselves with positive energy, and nature is a powerful and proven tonic,” says Barrett. “Anyone can let Vitamin F fortify their home, whether it’s a refuge, haven, retreat or sanctuary.”

Jayme Barrett, the leading authority on inspired living and best-selling author, empowers individuals to design their lives for increased balance, energy and motivation. Barrett specializes in techniques for personal fulfillment, prosperity and integrated health. She has appeared on numerous national television shows and been featured in print publications. Barrett is also a recurring speaker and workshop presenter at Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. studios, and for numerous corporations, retreat centers, resorts and nonprofit organizations around the world.

Pealer's Info Blog

This is the first post on the new Pealer's Flowers Information Blog! We will continue with our Wedding blog but thought that people might also be interested in what we do here at Pealer's on a regular basis and what new things we have in store! We will provide you with some great flower information based on new press releases and what is hot and trendy.

It's Jazzy June and we are running lots of great specials all month long. Roses are at great prices and so we can make a stunning vase that will sure to delight or stop by one of our stores and pick up a dozen of cash and carry roses.