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Happy Home Spaces

Home decorating is something we all take on to varying degrees. Women are more inclined to ‘nest’- something men probably define as adding WAY TOO MANY cushions to the bed, the couch and anywhere else! But creating a home space that feels comfortable, relaxed and happy is important for your mental health. Chaotic and messy spaces breed feelings of unrest. Neat and organised, clean spaces encourage calm and order.

Now I am not suggesting that everyone can (or would want to) decorate their home in a style that would attract the likes of Home Beautiful, everyone has their own style. Your home is your sanctuary; a place where you can retreat, rest and refresh. Here are some simple tricks to create a harmonious home space.

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Florist with Flowers loves to display plants in different containers and vessels to make unique gifts via Instagram

1. Add indoor plants

Sounds fairly obvious coming from a florist but indoor plants are not only good for your health as they increase oxygen levels. but they make you happier! Plants make people happier in general. Flowering houseplants decrease our stress levels, increase creativity and increase concentration levels. Add to that, research shows that people who spend time with plants show more empathy and are kinder to others. No wonder everyone thinks florists must be nice people! 😜 We always have a great range of house plants in-store for you to check out.

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We stock a range of Ecoya products in store in a variety of intoxicating fragrances for you to choose from via Instagram

2. Add fragrance to your home

Whether you favour hippie patchouli, citrus or floral fragrances, or sweet vanilla, adding a pleasant aroma to your home makes it more inviting. It goes without saying (surely) that smelly garbage is not what we are going for, so do you best to remove unpleasant odours before adding your chosen fragrance. In some regions, it may be necessary to absorb excess moisture, as damp areas can have a distinct smell, and be aware of the smell your furry friends are adding to your space. Neutralisers, or deodourisers should be used first.

We stock a beautiful range of Ecoya products; you can speak to one of our staff on 02 9871 1666 to find out what we currently have in-store.

Oriental lilies have a fairly pungent fragrance, easily wafting through even larger spaces. Other fresh flowers with strong fragrances include; Tuberose, Gardenia, Lavender, Hyacinth, Garden roses, Freesias, Bouvardia, Daphne, Lily of the Valley and Peonies. Keeping your flowers fresher for longer means regularly changing the water, re-cutting the stems and keeping the vase out of direct sunlight or draughts.

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Image via Judy Douglass

3. Open the windows

Natural light brings a room to life. Closed spaces tend to feel claustrophobic and stuffy, dreary and depressing, so bring some of the outside in by opening window coverings and opening up the window! Bright airy places are inviting. Fresh air uplifts your mood, cleans the lungs and brings greater clarity to the brain.

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Image via Architecture Art Designs

4. Use soft lighting

Apart from being generally more energy efficient, lamps are easily able to create softer mood lighting. Using lamps can make a space feel more cosy, inviting and intimate. You can also use candlelight for a similar effect.

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The Grey Butcher bird sings a beautiful song. Image via Australian Bush Birds

5. Use sound subtlely

In our busy, modern world, it sometimes feels like we are constantly surrounded by white noise. We have learnt how to turn off our senses as a measure of self preservation, but with that, have also switched ourselves off to the pleasures that surround us. I am lucky enough to live on a property that backs on to a small rainforest, so I am blessed with the sounds of the birds, and wind blowing through the trees. Funnily enough though, when family or friends have arrived for a stay, they have asked me whether the birds annoy me? Hearing the world around me, brings me back to earth and keeps me grounded. Hearing the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore has a similar effect on me, or the rain falling on the roof. What sounds bring a feeling of calm and contentment for you? Surround yourself with these sounds or when impractical reminders of these sounds; a large seashell, or bamboo wind chimes that softly echo in the breeze.

Fwf x

Feature image via Vourtimeri

 

 

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The Day That Florists Have Their Picnic

Did you receive flowers in the last week? On Tuesday, we undertook a mammoth task, delivering love notes and gifts throughout Sydney, on one of the biggest days on the florist calendar. Many of us drag our tired and weary bones back into work again the next day, often to shops that have very little left to sell, or worse, we are forced to set the dreaded alarm yet again and restock the shop with fresh blooms. We are totally thankful for a sell out of roses for sure, everyone knows there is very few roses being sold in the days following Valentine’s Day but…… we are only half committed to filling the shop to the brims again when we really would prefer to hit snooze. As Valentine’s day fell on a Tuesday this year, that probably means for many of us we have started our day at 3am three days running (or worse).

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Thousands of roses have been stripped, and when we have temporarily misplaced (read; permanently lost) our trusty rose de-thorners somewhere in the rose leaf debris 1 metre deep underfoot, we have been forced to strip them by hand bar the assistance of a little cellophane. Ouchy. Our tired, aching and often infected hands are calloused, red, dry and split. They sting, and are inflamed.

For florists like us though, who are set up in a retail precinct or mall, the next day is business as usual after all, their are birthdays, anniversaries, parties and funerals to attend to. The shop opens on time, and the Valentine’s Day marketing displays are immediately pulled down, and the shop is redressed for a new day. The day after such a big occasion will be filled with thorough shop cleanse, re-organising the displays and re-stocking the shelves and, we will all handle our share of complaints. It is a hard day when you are running on empty.

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Many industries have a Picnic Day, a special day off for those industry members. The idea behind it is to give employees with a common interest and goal the opportunity to get together in a social setting to promote unity. I know the hospital system observes Picnic Day, as do hairdressers, butchers and other trades. I found a digital copy of an archived newspaper, showing the Hairdressers Picnic Day from the Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 – 1957), Friday 14 February 1930, page 10;

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I think that there is some flexibility in the day that the industry chooses to observe as their Picnic Day. I have noticed several hairdressers naming Melbourne Cup day as their chosen day.  With this in mind, I think we should consider naming our own day. Given the hours of work florists have to put in to barely survive Valentines Day, I think it seems pretty fitting, that February 15th be named Florist Picnic Day.  We certainly work through the night in the evening(s) before hand, and with one day of true rest, I’m sure we could all better handle the highs and lows that come in the retail world.

So, who’s with me? Let’s start a revolution!!

Fwf x

 

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Who is Your Love Guru?

Valentine’s Day is a day that is about celebrating love; the love you have, the love you had, or perhaps the love you hope for. There is no perfect love, but every love is perfect in it’s own way, and as such, each love should be celebrated.

There is no recipe for success when selecting Valentine’s Day gifts. Making the right choice will depend on your listening skills and how attentive you are to your partner. As there is no ‘one size fit’s all’ solution, I suggest you choose your own love spirit to help guide your way.

Classic Valentino

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For traditional romantics, Valentine’s Day requires a few key elements;

  1. A Red Rose delivery- probably a dozen, generally long stemmed and preferably delivered to work! Perhaps this box of roses will fit the bill?
  2. Jewelry gift
  3. Dinner reservation; perhaps French, Italian or Seafood.

Nothing says romance than a dinner date that starts Champagne and ends with Souffle right? Valentine’s Day dining for hardcore fanatics should be fancy and fine. This means you will need to be organised so you don’t miss out on the venue of choice, or the table with the view!

Precious Parvati

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If your lover favours vibrant and/or tropical colourings, then a Bollywood inspired blend of blooms is probably more suitable like Beaming Beauty. Suitable flower choices could be; Orchids, Heliconias, Lotus, Water lilies,  Gingers, Anthuriums and Siam Tulips. Tropical blooms tend to weather the heat and humidity of a Sydney Summer better than softer, garden style blooms, as it is similar to their natural environment. This means that a bouquet with these ingredients will have a longer vase life- keeping you in the good books for longer!

Team your beautiful bouquet with a fun night eating with your hands at your favourite Indian or Sri Lankan restaurant. And finish the evening getting matching tattoos (Henna of course)!

Quirkier gift ideas for this love spirit could include; essential oils,  incense sticks or semi precious stones for attracting love and healing.

Mighty Aphrodite

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Sensual personalities may enjoy a mixture of tradition and creativity. They are open to new experiences, but like some classic elements also. Why not create a mixed bouquet of blooms that includes a cluster of romantic roses, but uses a rich blend of complementary colours. Something like Bold Charm from our menu would be perfect

Take your Aphrodite to a dinner date with a difference sampling Mexican street food, sipping Sangria and dancing the night away.

Massage oil could make an interesting gift, or maybe a one on one dance lesson.

Pure Cupid

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Some personalities are naturally attracted to neutral aesthetics; pure whites, creams, browns and greens. Whether you choose pure white roses, or a selection of natives is up to you.   Neutral colour tones go with every decor, which takes the stress out if you don’t know what kind of decorating style the recipient has. White roses would be a great choice if you are an engaged couple, or newly married. Check out White Rose Love Affair.  Alternatively, for more rustic charm choose a selection of wildflowers.

Stuck for date ideas? Maybe brunch at an Organic Cafe, or a picnic in the national park would suit this Valentine.

Knowing who you are buying for means you will know what kind of gift they will appreciate. If none of the above love spirits sound quite right, feel free to ring our team to discuss your ideas

Happy loving,

Fwf x

 

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How Much Do You Love Me?

With Valentines Day less than two weeks away I suppose it is time we all get our thinking caps on and start planning our romantic gesture for the year! For many, Valentine’s Day is the one and only time they will consider sending flowers, so I guess it only makes sense that they say what they mean, and mean what they say!

Traditionally red roses are sent at Valentine’s Day, and they are certainly a favourite choice for expressing your undying love all year round too but have you ever stopped to consider what you may be saying unknowingly by the number of roses you choose to send?

Most Valentine’s Day catalogues generally contain the choice of a single rose, half a dozen, a dozen and 2 dozen. They remain the firm favourites. Most popular without a doubt is to send one dozen roses at Valentine’s Day, a simple statement of “Be Mine”but is there is something else you would like to say?

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The meaning of how many roses are in a bouquet;

Single rose- Love at first sight

2 Roses- Reciprocated love, a love shared by both parties

3 roses- Three little words; I Love you

6 roses- I’m devoted to you, and I want to be yours

7 Roses- Infatuation

9 Roses- Eternal love; Be mine forever

10 Roses- Admiration; You are perfect

11 Roses- You are the most important person to me

12 Roses- Be Mine

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Florist with Flowers product: Wild About Roses

Want to send more than one dozen roses? Tread carefully now as sometimes bigger is not better; 15 Roses is an apology, so avoid sending this message to your loved one as you may arouse suspicion unnecessarily.

13 Roses- A message perfect for a secret admirer

15 Roses- I’m sorry, please forgive me

20 Roses- I’m intrigued by you

21 Roses- I’m dedicated to you

Once you hit 2 dozen roses the bouquet is sure to be a show stopper. How much of a statement you wish to make is up to you. Do you have something special to say? Choosing a larger bouquet can certainly convey some very sweet sentiments, and there are occasions that call for something truly stupendous, but remember if you wallet doesn’t allow you to send 999 Roses, you can express yourself in a carefully constructed card message. We  have some inspiration for card messages here if you are struggling to put the words together.

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Florist With Flowers: Cluster of Red Roses

24 Roses- I’m yours, I just can’t stop thinking about you. (The significance of the number of roses is representative of the 24 hours of the day)

25 Roses- Congratulations 

36 Roses- I cherish the romantic times we have shared together

40 Roses- I love you truly

50 Roses- My love for you is unconditional and has no limits

99 Roses- I will love you forever

100 Roses- I want to grow old with you

101 Roses- You are my one and only

108 Roses- Marry me!

365 Roses- You are always on my mind

999 Roses- Eternal Love

Florist with Flowers will be delivering expressions of love throughout Sydney this Valentine’s Day, Tuesday February 14th. Check out this years catalogue, or call 02 9871 1666 to speak to one of our gorgeous staff about your ideas to make something extra special.

Fwf x

 

 

 

 

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