How to care for poinsettias

Nothing shouts Christmas like a big ol' poinsettia! The plant was initially known in the United States as “painted leaf” or “Mexican fire plant” until it eventually was named poinsetta pulcherrima, or “poinsettia,” in honor of of its “discoverer” Dr. Poinsett. There are also white, pink and dappled poinsettias. By the early 1900′s, they were sold as potted plants in California. Many poinsettias are still raised in the state, especially for use as Christmas gifts and decorations. The city of Ventura, California is even known as the Poinsettia City.

How to Care for Your Poinsettia

- Display your plants in a bright location, but avoid direct sunlight as it can burn the bracs.
- Avoid drafty locations, where either hot or cold air blows directly on your plant.
- The best temperatures for keeping are between 65 and 75 degrees. Do not expose your plant to temperatures below 50 degrees.
- Keep soil moist to the touch, but never allow it to become soggy, or allow your plant to sit in water.
- Fertilizer should not be required during the holiday season.

Happy Holidays!

Sushi Anyone?

We hope y'all had a great Thanksgiving. Now that the turkey's all gone, how about some sushi? Not only does our sushi look good enough to eat, it's also a gift-within-a-gift! These fun sushi rolls are wrapped in leaves stuffed with colorful blooms. They are then presented on a pretty tray that can be used over & over.

Amazing Chocolates

On a recent visit to New Orleans I came across this amazing shop called Sucre'. It's a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth. I had been in search of new sweets to offer our customers and happen to stumble across this. You never know when you're going to find what you've been looking for!

We're carrying the Indulge Chocolate Collection which includes malted milk, rhum, hazelnut cream, wedding cake and pb & j chocolates.

If you have a sweet tooth, this is the place to go. If you're not going to be in New Orleans anytime soon, stop by one of our shops for a box of these incredible chocolates.

Bridal Beauty Game Plan

Every bride-to-be should live by the motto “always plan ahead.” Prepping your skin, hair, body, and mind for your wedding in advance is just as important as selecting the perfect gown and flowers. Check out this article on birchbox.com.

http://www.birchbox.com/the-haute-box/bridal-beauty-game-plan/

It's Homecoming Mum Season!

When it’s homecoming season across the nation, only in parts of Texas and Oklahoma is it also homecoming mum season. Some students take homecoming mums just as seriously as the homecoming football game itself.

For the uninitiated, a homecoming mum is an oversized mum corsage decorated with three-foot long streamers in the school colors, bells, charms, banners, little plush animals done up in bows, sparkly letters, even Christmas tree lights.

It is usually worn in the middle of the chest like a breastplate with the streamers flowing down the front of the body almost touching the ankles. It is, in short, a fashion statement.

But homecoming mums are so much more than that. They are a sign that somebody loves you. They’re no longer given only by boyfriends. Mums can come from friends, your mom, dad, aunt, or even a booster boy (a boy-friend who is not your date).

Anybody who's anybody wears one, or two and can

weigh as much as 12 pounds!

Homecoming mums have become a status symbol for many junior high and high school students. Designs change every year. The more original, the better.

Bosses Day is October 16.

National Boss Day is October 16 each year. When the holiday falls on a weekend, it is generally celebrated on the working day closest to October 16.

National Boss Day offers employees an opportunity to recognize those in supervisory positions. Popular ways to say "thanks" include cards, a lunch in the boss's honor, flowers, or gift certificates.

National Boss Day was started in 1958 when Patricia Bays Haroski, then an employee at State Farm Insurance Company in Deerfield, Ill., registered the holiday with the Chamber of Commerce of the United States. She designated October 16 as the special day because it was her father's birthday. Ms. Haroski's purpose was to designate a day to show appreciation for her boss and other bosses. She also hoped to improve the relationship between employees and supervisors. She believed young employees often do not realize the challenges bosses face in running a business.

Bridal Bouquets - Getting Attached to Specific Flower Types

Not all flowers are available all year round. When planning your wedding flowers, it is best to think in terms of colors and shapes rather than specific flowers. If there are certain flowers that have a special meaning, or you just have to have, specify that flower but also ask your florist to suggest a back up.