5 Quick Steps to Ordering Flowers Online October 24, 2008

Sending flowers to people has a special meaning, whether to say “congratulations”, “get well”, “good luck”, “happy birthday”, “my sympathies”, etc, the gift of receiving flowers is one of the most powerful and emotional message that has been used for centuries. The message you want to relay with your gift of flowers is an important one, here are a few guidelines to follow when choosing who to use when sending your powerful message:

Ask about popular trends or popular choses for an occasion:

Often the suggestion of a florist is very useful in conveying the correct message you want your recipient to know. Ask about popular flowers sent on specific occasions. Let the florist know what your intentions are by sending the gift of flowers, so that they may suggest will arrangement will suit you. All flowers carry different meaning, ask the perfect flowers to send on a particular occasion.

Ask about the packaging and delivery of your flowers:

Depending on the effect you want to portray, packaging of your special gift is important. Ask how the florist wraps your flowers, most wrap in cellophane to protect your bouquet, and then inside a specially made box for safeguarding. If you want a special touch, add the florist to add a ribbon. As for the delivery, ask whether they have different delivery times, based on when your recipient would most benefit from your gift, choose a florist that has options of morning or evening delivery, os that you can ensure your recipient will be there to receive the flowers.

Ask if there are any handling fees or additional charges for using their services:

Typically, all the charges will be posted on a florist’s website includes all the taxes and other charges. It is always recommended that you ask if there are any handling fees, as often people ordering flowers do not realize that companies that “gather” orders (ie: take the order, and then send it to the individual florists that will fulfill the order) charge to use their services. These charges are usually anywhere from $9.99 to $17.99 MORE just for the pleasure of placing the order with that company. Be aware to ask about these charges, so that you make a decision to use their services or not, most actual florist do not charge for their services.

Ask about special offers for Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas and New Years:

Generally these special dates are the occasions when the volume of orders are at the maximum for all florists. Some florists will provide different offers like free delivery, or specials bouquets, or discounts on flowers arrangements for a limited time period.

Ask about their refund/cancellation policies:

In most cases, florists should have their refund/cancellation policies listed on their websites. If it seems unclear, or is not there, ask about it- ask what happens when flowers are damaged in transit, what happens if what you ordered was not what was received, what happens if the recipient will not be home at the time of delivery. These are great questions you should ask, so that the chances of you being disappointed v in using the florist’s services are dramatically reduced.

Unique Twists on Housewarming Gifts June 5, 2008

It’s that time of the year, with the housing industry booming, many people are buying their first homes. The excitement of such a large commitment is often celebrated with House warming parties, to celebrate the transition into the newly acquired home. Consider alternatives to picture frames, candles, and kitchen appliances that other guests have most likely purchased. Next time you’re thinking of what to buy as a housewarming gift, here are some unique ideas that will please any homeowner.

Personalize it.

ü Is she a coffee lover?

Surprise the coffee lovers in your life with a sensational gift basket containing everything they need to enjoy a luxurious coffee break! Try baskets that contain a variety of coffees or teas such as:

-Espresso Black Coffee
-Private Label Bloomex Coffee
-Napoleon Mozart Coffee
-Pack of Instant Coffee
-Flavored Colombian Coffee
-Ground Espresso Coffee
-Premium Chocolate Bar
-Assorted Chocolate Truffles
-Premium Dark Chocolate Bar

ü Is she a chocolate lover?

For the chocolate-lover on your list, look no further than a decadent basket full of the good stuff. Look for baskets that have gourmet wafer, almonds, chocolate and truffles.

These are just some items a chocolate lover’s gift basket should include:
-Extra Large Box of Premium Chocolate
-Assorted Belgian Truffle
-Large Chocolate Cookies
-Chocolate Classic Truffles
-Milk Chocolate Bar
-Dark Chocolate Bar
-Hazelnut Chocolate Bar
-Premium Imported Chocolate Bar
-Cookies Double Chocolate
-Nut Chocolate Bar
-Assorted Premium Chocolate Cookie
-Box of Premium Truffles
-Chocolate Covered Cookie Sticks

ü A healthy alternative…a fruit basket!

This delicious gift should start with a bountiful collection of all time favorite fruits. Packed full with fresh and exotic premium quality fruits such as.

· Green D’Anjou Pears
· Red D’Anjou Pear
· Fuji Apples
· Strawberries
· Royal Navel Oranges
· Large Pineapple
· Extra Large Plums
· Premium Peaches
· Premium Kiwi
· Branches of Large Grapes
· Sweet Melon

ü Or how about a gourmet gift basket

Try something different like a gourmet basket is filled with truffles, unique tea, cookies, gourmet cheese, crackers, premium chocolate and nuts.

ü House plants are perfect way to give a breath of fresh air

For a new home, consider getting a lovely house plant like a Peace Lily, Schfflera, or Palm Tree. Not only do these make wonderful gifts, but they also are known for cleaning common airborne gases and solvents out of our breathing air, creating fresh oxygenated air.

ü Flowering house plants are always a big hit

Try pink azaleas, orchids, bromeliad or kalanchoe plants. They are very easy to maintain, they last a long time. As well, their blooming flowers will brighten up the new house with colors and scents, giving a warm essence to the new home.

ü Instead of a regular houseplant, why not get a lucky bamboo or bonsai tree?

The number of bamboo stalks signifies good fortune: three stalks signify happiness, five stalks signify wealth and seven stalks, good health

ü Bouquets and arranged flowers

No matter what type of flower it is, they have a way of bringing smiles and happiness. Flowers emit sweet erotic smells which will compliment any new house. The array of colors is endless, beatifying a new home. Trendy and highly admired flowers such as Calla Lilies, Orchids, Sunflowers are just a few that would make a great impression.

Published 2008