Creativity with Silk Flowers and Fresh Flowers - Afloral.com & AfloralConnect.com

We're Moving!

2008-02-06T08:21:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
www.afloral.com

Hello all. Just wanted to let you know that our blog is moving! You can view all of our new (and of course old) posts at:
www.afloralconnect.com/flowers-blog

We are stilling working out a few tweaks...but I hope you like the new blog!

Fun Valentine's Day Facts

2008-01-24T06:32:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Here are some fun Valentine's Day and flower facts for you! Enjoy!

74% of Americans celebrate Valentine's Day.

Photo property of http://www.carcino.gen.nz/

Approximately 1 billion Valentine's Day cards are sent each year.

Hallmark has over 1330 different cards just for Valentine's Day.

Photo property of http://www.atspanishsteps.com/

Only the United States, Canada, Mexico, France, Australia, and the UK celebrate Valentine's Day.
In Victorian times, it was considered bad luck to sign a Valentine's Day card.

Photo property of http://www.newimages.com/

Teachers receive the most valentines.

Approximately 15% of women send themselves flowers for Valentine's Day.

Photo property of http://www.avarietyofshades.com/

In mythology, the red rose was the flower of Venus, the roman goddess of love. Red stands for strong feelings -- which is why a red rose is a flower of love.

64% of men don't make plans in advance for a romantic Valentine's Day with their sweetie.

Photo property of http://www.picsaweb.google.com/

The Italian city, Verona -- where Shakespeare's "Romeo & Juliet" lived -- receives about 1000 letters to Juliet for Valentine's Day every year.

valentines romantic flowers rose
sweetie holiday celebrate cards
facts shakespeare love hallmark

"Love is the true means by which the world is enjoyed: our love to others, and others' love to us."
~ Thomas Trahern

Brief History/Facts of the Rose

2008-01-23T10:08:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Still going on about roses....

Ever wonder where the beautiful flower came from? Well, here are a couple facts & history of the well known flower:

The rose is approximately 35 million years old -- wow!

15th Century -- Pick a side!
The rose was used as a symbol for the coalitions fighting to control England. The white rose represented York, and the red -- Lancaster. This is why the conflict between the two is now known today as the "War of Roses."

Photo property of http://www.ci.norwood.ma.us/

17th Century -- Roses become a high demand!
During this time, royalty considered roses and rose water to be legal tender. Because of this, peasants were forced to cultivate roses to meet their high demands. The rose was used as a form of payment and to barter with. Royalty also used them in bath water, as confetti during a party, as a sweet smelling perfume, and even in medicine.

Photo property of http://www.z.about.com/

Napoléon Bonaparte -- And his wife!
Josephine, (Napoléon's wife), was royalty during the 17h century. She acquired an extensive collection of roses and kept them in the garden known as Chateau de Malmaison. This is where the famous botanical illustrator, Pierre Joseph Redoutes, is rumored to have began his career. It is also the spot where Pierre did the majority of his work for his watercolor collection, "Le Rose."

Photo property of http://www.heritageprints.com/

Did you know that there is a rose named after Napoléon? The Chateau de Napoléon!

Photo property of http://www.rdrop.com/

18th Century -- Let me introduce you...
This is when the cultivated rose was first introduced from China to Europe! Most of our roses today can be traced back to this time.

Greek Mythology -- How the rose was created.
In Greek mythology it is believed that Aphrodite gave the rose it's name, though Chloris created it...
Chloris (goddess of flowers), was cleaning up in the forest when she came across the beautiful but lifeless body of a nymph. She felt terrible and to right the death, she called upon several gods and goddess for help to create the flower -- Aphrodite (goddess of love), gave the body even more beauty; Dionysus (god of wine), added nectar, to help the flower smell sweet; the 3 Graces gave the rose charm, brightness, and joy; and Zephyr (the West Wind), blew the clouds away so that Apollo (sun god), could shine and make to beautiful rose bloom.
And so, the rose was created!

Photo property of http://www.commissionersam.com/

"What's in a name? That which we call a rose; By any other name would smell as sweet."
~William Shakespeare

Coming Up Roses

2008-01-23T08:32:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Since we are talking about Valentine's Day and the oh so popular flower of the holiday -- roses -- I thought I would share some of my favorites! There are thousands of different roses in various sizes, shapes, and colors...you name it, I'm sure there is a rose for it!

Here are my 5 favorites! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!

Cajun Moon Rose

Photo property of http://www.johnnybecnelroses.com/

Cherry Brandy Rose

Photo property of http://www.floraya.us/

Black Magic Rose

Photo property of http://www.rirs.org/

Moonstone Rose

Photo property of http://www.growquest.com/

Black Bacarra Rose

Photo property of http://www.fiftyflowers.com/

roses valentines cajun moon flower
moonstone black bacarra beautiful
black magic favorite cherry brandy

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Valentine's Day is Drawing Near!

2008-01-22T07:10:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

There are only a few weeks left until Valentine's Day! Are you ready?! Do you have your flowers, cards, candies, and perhaps even jewelry bought??

Maybe you are prepared for V-Day -- and maybe you would just like to know a little more about the holiday. The history and fun little facts. Here a a few website I came across the will help give a little more meaning to Valentine's Day! Check them out:

www.crewsnest.vispa.com/valentine.htm

http://www.history.com/minisites/valentine/viewPage?pageId=882

www.brownielocks.com/valentineshistory.html

If you are looking to purchase some silk flowers for your sweetie...as always, check out the deals at http://www.afloral.com/!

valentines romantic flowers rose
jewelry candy chocolate history
cards be mine sweetie holiday

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Unique Wedding Cake Idea

2008-01-15T12:16:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Want a unique and different wedding cake design? Having trouble imaging your perfect cake? Take a tip from Chidi Ogbuta -- why not have your cake be a replica of yourself?

Wow. My only question...where does the first piece of cake get cut?!

Check it out:

Photo property of www.metro.co.uk

View article at:
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=83520&in_page_id=34

wedding bride cake unique
idea replica different frosting

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Everybody Loves Silk Flowers!

2008-01-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

I had a very nice surprise on this gloomy Monday morning...my sister stopped by with her two children -- Gabriella who is 1 1/2 years old, and Aiden who is 3 months old. They are too precious!

During the visit, Gabriella wandered over to our bucket of extra flowers and got a hold of a large calla lily stem. Once she found it, she didn't let go of it! Not only that, but she kept trying to smell the silk flower. How cute is that?! Here are a few photos of my adorable niece with the silk calla lily. I hope you like them!

silk flowers gabriella children
afloral work calla lily smell
adorable bucket flower photo

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Afloral Valentine's Day Special

2008-01-09T11:45:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

On top of our wedding flower special, we are also offering a 10% discount for florists on Valentine's Day products!

Click here for details:
http://www.afloral.com/Floral-Supplies/Florist-Specials

special discount valentines day
afloral silk flowers romance
products florists wedding

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Free Resources To Help Your Floral Business Flourish

2008-01-08T08:42:00.001-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
www.afloral.com

Check out this wonderful and very helpful article on free resources:

Free Resources To Help Your Business Flourish
by Sue Bonfiglio

Whether you have an existing business or starting a new venture everyone could use a little help navigating his or her way towards success. Below are links to some of the most helpful resources, free advice and discounts available for small businesses:

SCORE - "Counselors to America's Small Business" is America's premier source of free and confidential small business advice for entrepreneurs. Score is supported over 10,000 volunteers, consisting of retired executives, business owners and corporate leaders sharing their wisdom and lessons they learned in business.
► http://www.score.org/
SBA - US Small Business Association was started in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government, established to aid and support the interests of small businesses. SBA is filled with links to financial aids, SBA loans (an excellent source of funding for your business) as well as information for startups or guidance in buying a business.
► http://www.sba.gov/
IRS - Yes the IRS, you cannot avoid this step. When starting a business you need to educate yourself with license requirements, tax reporting, filing status and business structure. Get the information on hiring employees and filing the right paperwork. This site is easy to understand and allows you to file most needed forms online. ►http://www.irs.gov/businesses/small/index.html
Entrepreneur.com - You are entering the wonderful world of being an entrepreneur where choices are yours to make, or at least ask the experts at entrepreneur.com. This site everything from ask an expert to a very detailed guide in writing a business plan that you will need to obtain funding or an SBA loan. Filled with lots of information from branding to innovative advertising ideas, this site is a must see and is available in Spanish. ►http://www.entrepreneur.com/

Afloral Congratulate's New Brides-To-Be!

2008-01-08T07:54:00.001-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Afloral wants to send out a big congratulations to all of the new brides-to-be! I'm sure there were many exciting and romantic engagements over the holidays!

To extend our congrats -- all of our wedding flowers are now 15% off!!! Browse and save now at http://www.afloral.com/

Happy shopping and have fun planning that wedding -- and, check out this adorable proposal!

afloral wedding congratulations bride
engagement video propose discount
shop planning romantic silk flowers

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

A New Year & Videos!

2008-01-03T12:29:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Hello all and Happy New Year!!!
Whew! The holidays have been crazy, and now that they're over, we are just as crazy here at http://www.afloral.com/!

Just a little update on our videos...we now have 50 of them up to view on youtube. We have added several how-to's and many more product videos (wedding bouquets). We even have our first official blooper reel -- however short it may be. These videos are also currently in the process of being loaded into http://www.afloral.com/.

Check them out on youtube (http://www.youtube.com/afloral), and please, check back with us at Afloral as well. Thanks for the support!

Take a peek now at our funny bloopers!

afloral videos new year holiday
youtube bloopers how-tos product
silk flowers bouquet thanks

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Welcome Back!

2007-12-27T09:17:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Christmas has come and gone once again! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday!

I just wanted to send a shout out and let everyone know that http://www.afloral.com/ has tons of Christmas closeouts on sale at unbeatable prices. Start planning early for next Christmas! There are many items to choose from including, various silk flowers, ornaments, silk poinsettias, candle rings, pine wreaths and garlands, ribbon, glittered sprays, and much more! All of these products are now 60-80% off their regular prices!!! You can't beat it! Several items can be used for everyday decorating as well! Check them out today at http://www.afloral.com/!!!

closeouts christmas afloral sale
silk flowers poinsettia wreaths
garland ornament candle ring
ribbon low prices glitter silks

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

The World of Video

2007-12-18T08:47:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

So, Afloral.com has finally graduated to the wide world of videos! We are currently working on various video projects including our own how-to's! We are in the process of loading a few into youtube now -- please check them out!

Here is one of our how-to videos. Enjoy!

afloral video how-to boutonniere
projects clip instruction flowers

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Decorating the Tree - Toddler Style!

2007-12-14T08:26:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Not sure why, but I am all about the posts on Christmas Trees! Since I shared my tree and my buddy Hope's as well, I thought it only fair to now show you how to decorate your tree -- toddler style! Check it out:

tree christmas decorate artificial
toddler video ornament funny clip

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Arlington National Cemetery at Christmas

2007-12-13T11:09:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

This is one of those times -- a picture says 1000 words. Below are 2 images of Arlington National Cemetery (an American military cemetery) at Christmas time. Over 5000 wreaths are donated by Worcester Wreath Co. of Harrington, Maine each year.

Check them out. I hope the photos move you as much as they did me...

Photos are property of www.troubleshooters.com

"Rest easy, sleep well my brothers
Know the line has held, your job is done
Rest easy, sleep well
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held
Peace, peace, and farewell..."

More Christmas Tree Photos!

2007-12-12T06:06:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Here are a couple of photos of another Christmas tree. This one belongs to my fabulous co-worker, Hope, who in seeing my tree on the blog, was inspired to share her pics.

Although this particular tree is not decorated with silk flowers, it is quite beautiful! She used multi-colored lights, various colored ornaments in different shapes and sizes, silver icicle garland, and a sparkly silver tree star!

Some of the ornaments (unfortunately you cannot see them in these photos), are from http://www.afloral.com/!

Enjoy!

12 Days until Christmas!

christmas decorate lights tree
icicle ornaments garland colored
star photos holiday hope sparkly

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Christmas Tree and a Little Flower!

2007-12-10T08:53:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Want to decorate your Christmas tree a little differently this year? Why not use some silk flowers?

That's what I did this year. I was bored with my same old ornaments, so I decided to stray away -- just a little...

I purchased some silk flowers from work -- http://www.afloral.com/ -- I chose both blue glittered and green calla lilies for my flowers. For the accent pieces, I decided to use silver ting, blue glittered twigs, and peacock feathers. Then of course, I did invest in some silver and blue ornaments in various shapes and sizes, (I have a 9ft tree, and therefore, a lot of space to cover). I was very happy with the results of my sparkly Christmas tree! The only thing I would like to do is add some silver ribbon -- create a bow for the top and trail the ribbon tails down the sides of the tree...

However, here is the tree so far! (I will post another photo once I add the ribbon)!

Hopefully this may help you with some new bold ideas for your Christmas tree this year!

christmas decorate tree ornament
blue silk flowers lights silver glitter
ting garland holiday calla lilies ribbon

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Blog Worthy

2007-12-06T10:59:00.001-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Just a little entry here to mention blogs involving weddings and flowers that I have come across and just love -- both for their content, and their looks! Check them out -- they may just have some helpful hints for you...or you might just fall in love with one as I did. Enjoy!

http://www.stylemepretty.com/
Wedding themes, colors, and photos! Wonderful site!

http://www.jenniferskog.blogpot.com/
http://www.jenniferskog.wordpress.com/
Wedding photographer. Her work is timeless and absolutely gorgeous!

http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/
"Elizabeth Anne Designs. Inspirations & Creations...and a little bit of the craziness of planning a wedding!" Gorgeous blog with lots of wedding information and ideas! Fabulous!

http://www.bdgc.typepad.com/
"The art of flowers by the Bonny Doon Garden Company." Great content and photos about flowers (gardening especially), with a personal touch to the writing.

http://www.flower-pictures.blogspot.com/
You guessed it -- pictures of flowers!

www.mywedding.com/blogs/mywed
Fun and informational wedding blog! Has everything and anything you need or want to know about weddings!

http://www.pressed-flowers.blogspot.com/ "Elizabeth's Flowers and a Few Other Things..." A wonderful lady who loves real flower/plants plus loads of other fun reading.

flowers blog photos artist pics
writing love wedding floral ideas

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Hilarious Wedding Dance Video!

2007-12-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Let's take a break from Christmas for a moment...

How about doing something a little different than the traditional slow dance at your wedding? How about really wow-ing and amazing your guests...

Check out this video clip of the Brubaker's wedding dance! They are an absolute riot! Their wedding photographer thought they were too cute and asked if he could post the dance on youtube. They approved, and since the post they have had a lot of views and great responses! They are even scheduled to appear on the Ellen Degeneres show! Good job Brubakers and congratulations!!!

wedding video dance funny
brubaker cute clip marriage
bride music groom entertain

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Popular Christmas Flowers

2007-12-05T06:46:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Stumped about what flowers to use in a holiday arrangement? Here is a list of some popular Christmas flowers and short descriptions to help you out! Also, reds, whites, and greens, are the most commonly used colors in Christmas designing!

Poinsettia
Has flower-like bracts (modified leaves), that can measure up to 12 inches across and surround the actual flower, which are tiny and yellow. Comes in red, white, pink, yellow, variegated, and speckled.

Christmas Cactus
Flat and pointed lobed leaves that are jointed, with rounded "teeth." Comes in a variety of colors including red, purple, orange, pink, fuchsia, and cream. Flowers bloom around Christmas time.

Rose
Long, alternating leaves and thorned stems. Most roses have 5 petals with 2 lobes per petal. 5 sepals grow below the petals. Large variety of types and colors available.

Amaryllis
4 to 5 large elaborate starry trumpet-shaped flowers with thick, smooth, leafless stems. Comes in red, white, pink, peach, striped, and ones with colored edge petals.

Carnation
Hundreds of ruffled petals per flower head with a long stem in a wide variety of colors.

Hydrangea

Shrub or small tree; large ball-shaped flower clusters with large leaves. Comes in white, blue, red, pink, or purple.

Calla Lily
Arrowhead shaped leaves in with funnel shaped flower head in reds, whites, yellows, and pinks.

flowers christmas design arrange
holiday red poinsettia cactus white
carnation amaryllis green roses
hydrangea popular calla lily

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Flower of the Month & Holidays for December

2007-12-04T08:29:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
http://www.afloral.com/

Can you believe...
Only 23 days until Christmas and 28 days until 2008! Time does fly...

Up here in New York State, we are, of course, covered in several inches of snow, with high winds causing the new falling snow to whip around in a frenzy. The weather report has been calling for winter storm warnings for a week straight, with promises to deliver...you guessed it...more SNOW! Brrr...

But, despite all of the snow, December has some fun and exciting traits -- not to mention a great ski season!

The flower of the month for December is the Narcissus, or better known as the Daffodil. The Narcissus represents regard and formality, as well as it's own special message! On top of that, there is quite the history and story of the beautiful bloom.

Check it out on the home page of http://www.afloralconnect.com/!
Curious to know what great holidays are in store for December?!

Here is a list of holidays for 2008:
1st Day of Hanukkah - December 5th
1st Day of Advent - December 12th
Last Day of Hanukkah - December 12th
1st Day of Winter - December 21st
Christmas Eve - December 24th
Christmas Day - December 25th
Boxing Day - December 26th
Kwanzaa Begins - December 26th
New Year's Eve - December 31st

For those of you who are interested, the full moon falls on the 12th!

For a full list of holidays, visit http://www.afloralconnect.com/
To buy silk daffodils & many other silk flowers, please visit http://www.afloral.com/

For those of you sharing the snow -- stay warm & safe out there!

december snow holidays winter
christmas hanukkah kwanzaa
new years advent silk flowers

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson

Decorating for Christmas

2007-11-30T06:58:00.000-08:00

by LeAnne Nelson
www.afloral.com

Having a little trouble thinking of ways to make your home holiday ready? Here are a few simple ideas to help you decorate for Christmas:

The Tree - "O' Tannenbaum"
One of the most important things for holiday decorating is the Christmas tree! First decide whether you would like a real tree -- who doesn't love the smell of fresh pine -- or an artificial one you can use year after year. Then, decide what size you'd like your tree to be. Perhaps you have high ceilings and would like a large elaborate tree, or maybe you would simply like a smaller, table-top tree. Finally, get out there and purchase that perfect Christmas tree!

Photo property of Old Town Gifts. Purchase the Bumble w/ Tree at www.oldtowngifts.com

Garlands, Wreaths, & Swags - "Christmas Time is Here"
How about a few wreaths on your windows and doors -- a garland draped over your mantle or wrapped around your staircase banister -- or a swag or 2 to dress up a wall? Buy any of these items pre-decorated, or purchase bare ones and design your own! These are great ways to add holiday cheer to any room, and easily fill empty spaces.

Trimming & Ornaments - "Silver Bells"
What holiday look are you going for this year? Red and green, blue and silver, red and gold? Pick any color combination or use them all! Then, choose what decor you would like for your tree, garlands, wreaths, and swags. Pick from several different ornament shapes, materials, and designs. Browse through the store or online for other fun trimmings such as beads, silk flowers, birds, feathers, lights, fruits, and many more products! Have fun with it and be creative!

Bows & Ribbons - "Deck the Halls"
Bows and ribbons are a great accent accessory. Whether it be on your tree, at the bottom of the wreath, spiraled around the garland, or even as a decoration all by themselves. Bows and ribbons can help bring out colors in your designs, fill empty spaces, or add that extra special something to your decor.

Centerpieces - "The Holly & the Ivy"
Why not get into the spirit and create a Christmas floral arrangement for a centerpiece. Place arrangements on mantles, counters, and of course, the center of your tables! Using silk flowers will allow you to make your creation, keep it, and use it year after year! Plus, if you happen to live in a colder climate, you don't have to worry about the survival of your stems. You can put them together early, and leave them out all season long. Browse through all the different Christmas flowers and choose some that are right for you. Then, choose a festive vase, add a little foam, and start designing! Add accent pieces like glittered sprays and holiday ribbon to really give your arrangement that Christmas look.

Candles - "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer"
Candles are the perfect way to easily decorate, and add warmth and scent to any room. During the holidays candles are available in every seasonal color! Choose from a variety of shapes and sizes as well as holiday scents -- gingerbread, eggnog, Christmas pine, cinnamon, and apple pie just to name a few. Nowadays you can even find candles that look like snowmen -- Frosty! -- Santa Claus, Rudolph, and many other holiday characters!

Image property of Illuminations. Purchase snowmen candles at http://www.illuminations.com/

I hope some of these ideas help you out with your Christmas decorating! Be creative, have fun, put some "Jingle Bell Rock" on the radio, and enjoy getting ready for the holidays!

christmas centerpiece tree flowers
candles holiday decorate scent trimmings
garland wreath green arrangement ribbon
season snowman ornament bow festive

"Just living is not enough...
One must have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."
~Hans Christian Anderson