Flower Shop Network

Enjoying a Thanksgiving Potluck with FSN

November 21, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Flower Shop Network is going to be closed on Thanksgiving Day, so the FSN family chose to get together this Thursday for food and fellowship.

We decided to go potluck style this year, and let me tell you, some of these folks can cook! Most of the food in these shots is homemade and it was all delicious. Enjoy the images, but let me tell you, the reality was fantastic!

Tables full of food. We had traditional favorites like candied yams and more ethnic fare with homemade hot tamales! Yum!

Is this the bread aisle at some local market? No! It’s just a few of the many tasty options we sorted through to fill our bellies.

Shelley looks thrilled with her selections! Well, it wouldn’t be hard. Everything was excellent.

[Read more…]

Gobble Up The Top 20 Thanksgiving Card Messages

November 1, 2013 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

“Happy gobble-gobble!” That’s the traditional way to say Happy Thanksgiving in my family. A table full of food is my favorite thing about Thanksgiving Day but there’s a lot to love about the holiday. Friends and family gather around to celebrate a day off of work, a really good football game, a feast of delicious food and the turkey coma that follows. What an incredible day!

What’s kind of sad is that the real meaning of the holiday is becoming lost in the muffled voices of people eating, so I’ve decided to reiterate a bit of it. We all know the story of how the pilgrims came over on the Mayflower to settle the colonies that would later become America. The winter was bleak and barren but the local Indians were kind enough to share their food as well as teach the pilgrims some survival tips for the next winter. We owed them a debt of gratitude for their hospitality, began saying thanks by dining together which formed a strong bond, and thus began the tradition of Thanksgiving.

Dining together still forms a wholesome bond between people, but sometimes celebrating Thanksgiving in this way isn’t possible. For this reason, many choose to send Thanksgiving flower arrangements or cornucopias. After all, everyone loves receiving a gift even if it is in lieu of the sender’s company. The hard part comes in finding the right card message to go along with the gift of flowers. To make it simpler, local florists have provided their favorite choices for Thanksgiving card messages. Enjoy!

Giving Thanks With The Top 20 Thanksgiving Card Messages:

1) Among the Many Things We Give Thanks For Are Loyal Friends Like You Who Have Helped Make This Year A Success For Us

2) Giving thanks for your friendship

3) May your life be filled with good things to be thankful for as ours are filled with thankfulness for you

4) Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to tell you how very much your friendship means to us

5) 1. Me – 2. Your family – 3. Everyone who recognizes kindness, caring, and generosity of spirit. Just a short list of the people whose lives you’ve touched. Happy Thanksgiving.

6) May your heart be glad and your home be happy at this joyful time of thanksgiving.

7) When I count my blessings, I count you twice. Happy Thanksgiving.

8) Our homes may be far apart, but our hearts are as close as always.

9) Thinking of you and wishing you all the blessings of this beautiful season.

10) Happy Turkey Day.

You’re only halfway through! View all Thanksgiving enclosure card messages. Brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Florists, Thanksgiving Enclosure Card Messages, Thanksgiving Flowers

Enjoy These Frightfully Fun Halloween Card Messages

October 30, 2013 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

What do costumes, apples and ghouls have in common? Halloween. I know. I gave you that one. In any case, Halloween is a very festive time when even the most straight-laced folks get to let loose and enjoy the evening. It’s the only time of year when no one thinks twice about seeing Batman walk down the street beside an angel and a skeleton. Kind of creepy, yes, but Halloween is a popular holiday for a reason—the gifts! Halloween gifts range from gag gifts to Halloween flower arrangements. When boo-tiful blossoms are the gift of choice, the hard part becomes figuring out what clever lines to leave on the enclosure card. I’ll help you out again.

Local florists spend Halloween like everyone else except they get to deliver their best Halloween flower arrangements and watch how happy this type of celebration makes people. They are always coming across new and clever card messages to accompany their arrangements, so it seemed only natural to ask for some of their favorite Halloween card messages.

Top 10 Eerily Awesome Halloween Enclosure Card Messages:

1) A happy Halloween wish just for grins!

2) As the sky grows dark and the moon glows bright, as strange creatures and critters appear in the night, as the goblins growl and the werewolves whine, hope that Halloween sends a chill up your spine!

3) At this special time of year when jack-o’-lanterns glow, it gives a welcome chance to send a warm “Hello!” Happy Halloween.

4) This is no Trick just a Treat for a special someone. Happy Halloween.

5) Time for shivers, scares, and thrills, for pumpkin grins in windowsills, for black cats in the full moon’s glow, and a happy Halloween hello!

6) A Merry Halloween. Wishing you a Halloween filled with good old-fashioned fun.

7) Hope your Halloween is so happy, it makes you glow inside.

Surprise! That’s only 7! Find all 10 Halloween enclosure card messages. Feel free to share this frighteningly funny list with your customers. Let us know who BOO!-hooed and who laughed hysterically. Brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Halloween Enclosure Card Messages, Halloween Flowers, Holiday Gift Ideas, Local Florists

FSN and Rick Rivers at the Ozark Florist Association Convention

October 21, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

The Ozark Florist Association held their annual convention on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of September. FSN was there to take part in the festivities and cheer on Rick Rivers as he gave his presentation titled “Marketing in Today’s Climate”. Here are a few photos of what we saw!

Here is Rick Rivers posing in front of the Flower Shop Network standee with Stacie from Springfield, MO.

Here is the top slide from Rick’s slide show. The two images to either side of the Flower Shop Network photo are the covers of the two books that Rick has written on these subjects, Blooming at the Top and No Fishing in My Pond!

Rick talking to the crowd.

A beautiful arrangement designed for the FSN booth! A big thanks to Kay Schlaefli with Expressions Flowers in Fort Smith, AR! Great job!

If you didn’t make the Ozark Florist Association Convention this year, you can always start planning for next! Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed the photos!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Floral Conventions, Flower Shop Network, Rick Rivers

FSN at the Society of American Florists Convention 2013!

October 17, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

If you didn’t make it to Phoenix, AZ this September, you missed out on an amazing, informative weekend full of conferences, fun and some serious floral beauty! Flower Shop Network was there in force and we’ve got some excellent photos to show you. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show!

Here is a photo of the FSN booth. As usual, our setup crew did a great job! But enough with the same old, same old. Let’s take a look at some of the cool stuff!

Take a look at these excellent varieties from the Outstanding Varieties Exhibition! That is some fantastic work!

Here’s a close-up of a gorgeous variety. I can definitely see why it’s a blue ribbon winner!

Another blue ribbon winner. Just gorgeous. But wait, where are the people?

It’s Brock and Loranne, the owners of FSN! They look very happy attending the Stars of the Industry Awards Reception & Dinner. Judging from the food on those plates, I think I see where all the good cheer is originating! That looks delicious!

This is Cindy, our VP of Sales and her husband Bobby. The dinner is making smiles all around!

Here’s a nice overview of the room. It should come as no surprise, but there are some lovely florals adorning this banquet! I love seeing florists putting their decorating skills to use! Speaking of florists and skills, I saw a few items that gave floral dresses a WHOLE new meaning!

A gorgeous interpretation. These dress/flower mixes are amazing!

This one is so elegant. Is it just me, or does anyone else feel this is reminiscent of the recent movie Black Swan with Natalie Portman?

It looks like the forest draped itself around this mannequin! I can’t help but think of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”.

What is this, Hawaii? Let’s go to a Luau!! Fun and beautiful all at once! Speaking of Hawaii, what does that state and Phoenix, AZ have in common? Beautiful weather and golf courses!

Here’s Brock standing beside the hole sponsored by FSN! Looking good!

Fore!

Umm … looks like someone’s in the rough. Oops. We here at Flower Shop Network accept no responsibility for the user’s ability to play the game. We just think our logo makes a snappy decoration.

I hope you enjoyed this photo recap of the SAF convention for 2013! There was a lot happening and a lot worth seeing. If you didn’t make it to this year’s convention, don’t fret. There’s always next year! And believe me, you don’t want to miss next year. SAF is going to be held at the Marriott Marco Island Resort in Marco Island, FL, August 13th-16th! Don’t miss your opportunity for fun in the Florida sun!

Filed Under: Floral Conventions & Flower Shows Tagged With: Floral Conventions, Flower Shop Network, Society of American Florists

A Giving Boss’s Day with FSN

October 16, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Boss’s Day was a roaring success at the FSN offices, and for more than just our bosses!

The sales department decided to do something a little different this year to honor Brock and Loranne, the owners of Flower Shop Network. Because our owners are such generous people, the sales department chose to do something that embraced their spirit, something that went beyond the walls of our offices and reached out into the community.

Our local Backpack Food Program collects non-perishable food from the community and businesses in the area and delivers it to local schools, fills backpacks with the collected food and distributes it to children of needy families. This year, as a Boss’s Day tribute, every member of the sales department brought food from home to make a sizable contribution in the name of our owners and sales managers. Way to go, guys!

Here is a photo of the contribution in total. Looks like a lot of meals gathered up there. [Read more…]

Filed Under: FSN Announcements Tagged With: Flower Shop Network, National Bosses Day

Forget A Birthday? Send Flowers With These Belated Birthday Card Messages

September 30, 2013 by Flower Shop Network 1 Comment

Oh no! You’ve missed the birthday! What to do, what to do? Send flowers. I know. It seems to be my answer for everything but trust me on this one. Short of an apology on bended knee and a round of sobbing, there isn’t a much better way to say “I’m sorry for forgetting the birthday of someone so special to me.” In lieu of the first option, belated birthday flowers seem like a much better idea.

While weeping and pleading are probably not right up there on everyone’s list, sending flowers is quick and easy. In other words, having a local florist deliver a belated birthday bouquet is the best way to humbly recognize a forgetful slip up while not having to spend all day groveling for mercy at the feet of the offended one.

Many people have a heard enough time finding the right birthday card message, let alone sifting through lists and lists to find belated birthday card messages that practically jump off of the page. Local florists, being all too familiar with the humble needs of forgetful loved ones, have contributed to this list of the best belated birthday card messages for just such an occasion.

15 Card Message Reminders That It’s Never To Late To Say Happy Birthday

1) (Funny) 29 again? Talk about recycling! Happy Belated Birthday

2) May God grant you a day filled with happiness, a year filled with joy.

3) Today well-lived makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow a vision of hope. You deserve a lifetime of beautiful tomorrows. Happy Belated Birthday.

4) (Funny) At birthday time, it’s good to remember our friends. Actually, it’s good to remember anything! Happy Belated Birthday

5) Because you’re you I’m celebrating your birthday yesterday! Because I’m me, I’m celebrating it today! Happy Belated Birthday

6) Count not your years by adding the days but with joy count the friends you’ve made on the way. Wishing you a year of joy and friendship.

7) For your birthday, I wanted to get you the thing you need most but how do you gift-wrap a 25-hour day? Happy Belated Birthday

8) Go ahead and have another birthday if you want to. But don’t expect me to keep up with you. Happy Belated Birthday.

9) (Funny) Can you guess what I want to be when I grow up? As much fun as you! Happy Belated Birthday.

10) (Funny) Happy Belated Birthday. You’ve got a great life, you look wonderful, and your health is good. How could a measly present from me compete with that?

11) (Funny) Happy Belated Birthday to someone who still looks good. In fact, almost lifelike.

12) Your birthday is truly an event worth celebrating! Happy Belated Birthday.

13) (Funny) You should really celebrate on your birthday. Take TWO naps today.

14) Wishing you birthday memories to hold close to your heart! Have a Beautiful Day.

15) (Funny) Wanted to send you something really nice for your birthday but the machine just kept taking my quarters. Happy Belated Birthday.

Haven’t found the one you want yet? Follow this link for a printable list of all belated birthday enclosure card messages. Brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Belated Birthday Card Messages, Birthday Flowers, Birthday Gift Ideas, card messages, Flower Shop Network, Local Florists

How To Say “Happy Grandparents Day” To Grandma & Grandpa

September 26, 2013 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

In my family, grandparents rule the roost. The child in good with the grandparents need never want for another thing. They are protective, loving, gentle, and supportive. They rule their homes with iron fists and open hearts. I adore my grandparents and want only the best for them. We recently started celebrating Grandparents Day with them as a way of bringing the families together again during the year. My remaining grandmother and grandfather are in their early 80s. After that many years of receiving gifts for various occasions it gets kind of hard to give one that they’ll really like. I’ve figured out the answer for them though. I have decided to send flowers to my grandmother with a very sweet Grandparents Day card message attached. My grandfather, a farmer, is receiving a plant instead but with the same message of love.

Those not so skilled in verse may struggle to find the right way to say what is on their hearts. Grandma and Grandpa know that they are loved, but what combination of words expresses the depth of this love with any kind of fervor? What Grandparents Day card message says it all but in the space of a little enclosure card? Instead of spending hours looking for the perfect message, spend the day enjoying time with your grandparents. They’ll love the gift because you sent it, but a special message like those below help make it their favorite gift yet. With this list of Grandparents Day card messages compiled by local florists, it is easy to find the message that you need when sending flowers to grandma and grandpa.

Grandparents Day Card Messages

1) The two of you must have been the inspiration for this special day. Happy Grandparents Day.

2) A Loving Wish on Grandparents Day. To wish you a happy Grandparents Day and then remind you, too, how very, very much you’re loved Today and all year through!

3) Among the sweetest memories Our hearts keep through the years, Are special things grandmothers say and do– Their tender hugs and words of praise, Their laughter and their loving ways Are joys that we recall our whole lives through. With more love and special thoughts than you could ever know.

4) A zillion hugs just aren’t enough for grandparents who do such special stuff and always make me feel so very loved.

5) It’s great to have a day that honors grandparents. It’s a wonderful chance to thank you for great times and feelings and lifelong gifts of your love.

6) Thank you for telling me your stories and sharing your many years of experience and wisdom. I’m a better person for having learned from you. Happy Grandparents Day.

7) A grandparent is a special part of all that’s cherished in the heart.

8) Grandparents give the best hugs! Here’s one to wish you a Happy Grandparents Day.

9) I love the way you love and the nice things that you do. I feel so very lucky just because you’re you!

10) For You On Grandparents Day. It’s the perfect time to let you know how much you’re loved, how much you’re wished the best of everything.

You’re only halfway through! Read all 20 Grandparents Day enclosure card messages. Brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Gift Ideas, Grandparents Day, Grandparents Day Enclosure Card Messages, Local Florists

What Can You Say With A Sweetest Day Card Message?

September 25, 2013 by Flower Shop Network Leave a Comment

Herbert Birch Kingston had the right idea when he created Sweetest Day in 1922. It was his way of giving a sweet gift to those who were normally forgotten. Orphanages, the terminally ill and the disabled in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio received these gifts. What a heartwarming gesture from a special man! It has especially touched my heart which is why I have begun celebrating Sweetest Day by sending flowers or gift baskets to my friends. For me, it’s a way to let them know somewhat randomly that I care about them all year long and want the best for them.

It’s very easy to get lost in preparing Sweetest Day flowers and gifts, but the most endearing part of the presents is actually in the card message. Being not a wordy person when it comes to expressing emotion, this list of Sweetest Day card messages has proven to be very helpful. Because Sweetest Day celebrates sharing, here is a great list of Sweetest Day card messages prepared with the help of local florists.

A Sample of the Best Card Messages for Sweetest Day:

1) This is Sweetest Day-a day inspired by the love and friendships we all cherish.

2) You put the “sweet” in Sweetest Day.

3) A wish for you on Sweetest Day. May you be as good and kind to yourself as you always are to everyone else!

4) Because you are so special, so nice in every way. This brings you loving wishes for a happy Sweetest Day!

5) Hope your Sweetest Day is sprinkled with all different kinds of happy!

Want a complete list of just the Sweetest Day enclosure card messages? View all 10, print and share with customers, or keep a list by your register. All card messages brought to you by Flower Shop Network.

Filed Under: Card Messages Tagged With: Enclosure Card Messages, Flower Shop Network, Gift Ideas, Local Florists, Sweetest Day, Sweetest Day Enclosure Card Messages, Sweetest Day Flowers

Saying Goodbye to an Industry Great

August 30, 2013 by Ed Belly Leave a Comment

Sad Goodbye We are so very sad to announce that Linda Reiling, owner of The Watering Can Florist in Churubusco and Columbia City, Indiana and a beloved member florist with Flower Shop Network, passed away Tuesday morning, August 27th.

Linda had been an FSN member for 5 years, and always maintained a friendly, working relationship with her FSN representative, Joe Hays. Upon hearing of her passing, Joe said, “She was a wonderful, sweet lady to work with, always happy when we talked. I will miss her.”

Lover of Flowers

Linda was a lifelong lover of flowers and the floral industry. She first developed her love for all things floral while in 4-H where she won regional and state awards. Linda attended the internationally renowned Hickson’s Floral Design School in Ohio and held a Design Master’s Certification in wedding floral arrangements and an American International Floral Design degree. Linda had more than 40 years of experience in the floral industry and her loss will be felt among the members of her local and professional community.

All of us here at Flower Shop Network offer our deepest condolences to Linda’s family in this difficult time.

Filed Under: Floral Industry News Tagged With: Flower Shop Network