Mandy Maxwell - Bloomin' Blog

An Extra Special Valentine’s Day Delivery

February 11, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

If this tender story of love and romance doesn’t bring tears to your eyes, I don’t know what will.

“My sweet husband, John, and I were married for 46 years. Each Valentine’s Day, he’d send me the most beautiful flowers containing a note with five simple words, ‘My love for you grows.’ Four children, 46 bouquets and a lifetime of love were his legacy to me when he passed away two years ago.

“On my first Valentine’s Day alone, 10 months after I lost him, I was shocked to receive a gorgeous bouquet addressed to me… from John. Angry and heartbroken, I called the florist to say there had been a mistake. The florist replied, ‘No ma’am, it’s not a mistake. Before he passed away, your husband prepaid for many years and asked us to guarantee that you’d continue getting bouquets every Valentine’s Day.’ With my heart in my throat, I hung up the phone and read the attached card. It said, ‘My love for you is eternal.’“

What an amazing story of eternal love. This Valentine’s Day, why not start your flower traditions? Your local florist would be happy to take care of you, this year and for the many more to come.

I saw this photo being passed around the internet and had to share it with our readers. If you know what magazine (or what florist) this story came from, we would be happy to add the credit.

Filed Under: Flower Memories, Holiday Info Tagged With: Valentines Day, Valentines Day Card Messages, Valentines Day Gifts

Florist Friday Recap 2/2 – 2/8: Love Is In The Air

February 8, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Love is in the air, can you feel it?? With the Day of Love almost upon us, it’s no wonder the majority of our photo recap this week features so many beautiful Valentine’s Day designs from florists all across the nation. But it’s not here yet, so if you haven’t ordered flowers for your sweetie, there’s still time! So check out today’s photos for a boost of inspiration, then call your local florist and order yours today!

Valentine’s Day Flowers

Valentine’s Day flowers by Botanical Designs, Baytown TX

“You are the fairest of all”

This fairy-tale flower design uses two striking red flowers, roses and anthurium.

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Mixed bouquet for Valentine’s by Trigs Floral & Home, Minocqua WI

“One of our Valentine specials”

Lots of beautiful flowers featured in this design: Gerberas, roses, statice, tulips, callas, protea, hypericum berries, and so much more!

Going Beyond Red This Valentine’s Day

February 7, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

When you think Valentine’s Day flowers, most people instantly imagine a bouquet of a dozen red roses. Why? Roses have been the traditional romantic gift for generations, but these days more and more people are craving something more personal. This Valentine’s Day, if you’re looking for something unique to send to your sweetie, why not choose flowers specifically chosen just for her? Not only will she be blown away by your sweetness, she’ll love that you remembered her favorite color. Here are some suggestions to get you started:

Purple Valentine’s Day Flowers

Purple has been said to evoke feelings of spirituality and luxury; it encourages creativity, uplifts, and calms the mind/nerves.

Orange Valentine’s Day Flowers [Read more…]

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Trends Tagged With: Valentines Day, Valentines Day Flowers

Why Isn’t My Anthurium Blooming?

February 6, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell

Ask The Plant Expert: I have had my Anthurium plant two years now. When I got it, it had lovely dark-orange flowers; now it has none. The stem that had the flowers has turned brown and there is only a few small leaves, I have it in the kitchen work top near the window. I water it only when the soil gets a bit dry, I have pebbles in the bottom of the pot and also on the top covering the soil, what could the problem be? – Caroline

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Plant Care Questions Tagged With: Anthurium, Blooming Problems, Flamingo Flower

FSN February Newsletter: Be Lovable

February 5, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

If you’re reading this and have not decided on a Valentine’s Day gift for your sweetie — what are you waiting for? Flowers are the quintessential Valentine’s Day gift, and have been for generations. Trust me, you don’t want your lady to be the only one at the office without flowers.

Why wait when you can be ahead of the game? Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Go directly to your local florist. If you don’t know yours, use Flower Shop Network’s handy local florist finder** to find a florist in your city. (**FSN verifies all florists in our directory are real local florists.)

Be aware, there are fake florists on the internet. They will take your order, then pass it along to a real florist to fill at a lower rate. This is why it’s so important to go directly to a local florist.
Check out: Local Florist Urges Local Shopping This Valentine’s Day.

Step 2: Either call your florist directly or shop their official website for more of a visual selection. You might also stop by the store for a more hands-on approach. Tell your florist about your sweetheart — her favorite colors, flowers and even styles — they can create something one-of-a-kind for your love.

It really is the thought that counts. Valentine’s Day flowers don’t always mean roses; if you know her favorite flowers, send those instead. Of better yet, send a replica of her wedding bouquet this Valentine’s.

You will also need to choose a romantic card message.

Step 3: Once you’ve ordered your Valentine’s Day flowers, you can kick back and relax. Your local florist will take care of all the rest, from presentation to delivery, you can rest assured your sweetheart’s Day of Love will be a great one.

If you do want to take it a step further, however, consider making reservations at your favorite restaurant or getting her jewelry. Whatever romance you choose, flowers are the perfect way to start.

5 Houseplants with Heart

Valentine’s Day is almost upon us. Most people are satisfied with traditional gifts. However.. there are a few among us who are not so swayed by sweetness. If your girl is just not the ‘romance type’, or your hubby thinks “flowers are for girls” then this suggestion is for you!

There’s nothing like flowers and plants on Valentines Day. They bring a life and energy with them you won’t get from any other gift. If your Boo says boo to a bouquet, why not give the gift of green via a lush houseplant that is full of heart — heart-shaped leaves that is!

Continue reading to see all heart-shaped suggestions…

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Newsletters Tagged With: Newsletters

FSN Awards Banquet

February 5, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Everyone deserves a little recognition for a job well done. At FSN, it’s our job to help local florists succeed, and recently we rewarded those on our team who are the very best at it!

Brock Atwill, President of FSN, and Cindy Prichard, Sales Manager, led the event.

The Flower Shop Network Crew

FSN Divisions (Wedding & Party Network, FSN Funeral Homes & FGmarket)

More pictures from this year’s Awards Banquet.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Awards & Honors

Valentine’s Day is So Close! Be 100% Loveable!

February 4, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Why wait when you can be ahead of the game? Here’s what to do:

Step 1: Use Flower Shop Network’s handy local florist finder to find a florist in your city. (FSN verifies all florists in our directory are real local florists.)

Be aware, it’s important to go directly to a local florist when sending flowers. There are third parties out there that pose as florists on the internet, will take your order, and then pass it along to a real florist to fill at a lower rate. By going directly to a trusted, local florist, you will get the best bang for your buck. Check out this article for more information: Local Florist Urges Local Shopping This Valentine’s Day.

Florist Friday Recap 1/26 – 2/1: Precious Petals

February 1, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell 2 Comments

I can’t believe it’s already February 1st! Right about now, florists only have one thing on their minds and that’s Valentine’s Day! We’ve seen a lot of beautiful flower arrangements this week, and you can count on seeing a whole lot more red, white and pink next week too! So, for now, let’s get on with the pictures!!!

Flower Arrangements & Valentine’s Day

Valentines Day at Apple Blossoms Floral Design in Tampa FL

“Apple Blossoms Floral Designs is all dressed for Valentine’s Day 2013.”

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Purple bubble bowl arrangement by Swannanoa Flower Shop, Swannanoa NC

“Purple roses!!”

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[Read more…]

Filed Under: Floral Design Tagged With: Facebook Friday, Floral Design

5 Houseplants With Heart

January 31, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

The day of love, Valentine’s, is almost upon us. Most of the time, it’s pretty easy to buy Valentine’s Day gifts. Most people are satisfied with the traditional gifts of flowers, dinner, jewelry and the like. However.. there are a few among us who are not so swayed by sweetness. If your girl is just not the romance type, or your hubby thinks “flowers are for girls” then this suggestion is for you!

Here are a few heart-shaped suggestions to get you started:

1. Heart-leaf Philodendron

The Heartleaf Philodendron is known as the sweetheart plant because of the unique heart shape of its leaves. With the many variations of heart-leaf Philodendrons available, there is sure to be one that will stand out to you. You might like the lush green leaves, or perhaps the varieties with splashes of bright yellow color on the leaves. These heart-leaf plant is easy to care for and it’s evergreen vines, if allowed, will grow up ledges or walls, enhancing any room.

However, if your Sweetie has cats, other pets or small children who would be prone to eating the leaves, this may not be a good choice. This plant is toxic if ingested.

Check out this article for more information on how to care for Heart-leaf Philodendron

2. Flowering Cyclamen

This is a small houseplant with big dreams. It’s heart-shaped foliage is beautifully colored on it’s own, but the up-swept petals of the flower add striking color that elevates this houseplant to favorite status. These plants usually bloom in late winter or early spring and are sweetly scented, making them a perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

This plant is also mildly toxic and you should take precautions to keep this plant away from pets and small children.

Check out this article for more information about how to care for a Florist Cyclamen

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Plant Suggestions Tagged With: Gift Ideas, Houseplants, Romance, Valentines Day Gifts

Choose Your Colors For Game Day 2013

January 29, 2013 by Mandy Maxwell Leave a Comment

Are you revved up for the Ravens or knocking for the ‘Niners? Maybe you don’t really care which team wins; for you, it’s all about the party! Either way, this weekend’s big game is one celebrated in the millions by sports fans and non-fans alike. Chances are, you’ve already been invited to several couch-gating parties to cheer on these modern-day gladiators.

A party just isn’t a party without decorations. While hardcore fans will obviously have a lot of swag to show off for their team, some of us are left with very little party decor for this event… but wait, there’s an easy cure — flowers! Now, I know what you’re thinking… “Flowers for a football party?! No way!” I’m here to tell you, “Oh yes way!” Flowers are an easy way to bring color and added energy to a very-masculine shindig.

Flowers For Game Day

Choose flowers in the colors of your favorite team. It might be an arrangement of all-purple flowers with black feathers. (Oh how gorgeous!) For Niners’ fans, choose red and yellow flowers with gold accents and ribbon. Your florist would be delighted to design something custom for your game day celebration. Below you will see an example of how this can be done simply using flowers:

Ravens Purple Vs. Niners’ Red & Gold

Imagine how beautiful one of these (or perhaps something even more custom) would look sitting on your buffet of game day food. (More ideas for Game Day Parties on WPN »)

Hostess Gift

Not throwing the party yourself? Flowers make the PERFECT hostess gift. Especially if they are rooting for a rival team; you get to choose what colors to bring to them: your favorites or their favorites. You simply cannot go wrong with flowers.

Ordering Game Day Flowers

Simply give your local florist a call, explain to them what you want and what team you’re rooting for, and see just what they can create! Just remember, always always always use a real local florist when sending or ordering flowers!

Filed Under: Flower Suggestions, Gift Ideas Tagged With: Football Flowers, Hostess Gift Ideas, Super Bowl Party

Valentine’s Day Flowers

Purple Valentine’s Day Flowers

Orange Valentine’s Day Flowers [Read more…]

Why wait when you can be ahead of the game? Here’s what to do:

5 Houseplants with Heart

Why wait when you can be ahead of the game? Here’s what to do:

Flower Arrangements & Valentine’s Day

1. Heart-leaf Philodendron

2. Flowering Cyclamen

Flowers For Game Day

Hostess Gift

Ordering Game Day Flowers

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