Blog For Thought.

1800flowers and Social Networking

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 18:49:00 +0000

It's always great to see businesses using social networks to build their brand. 1800flowers has been doing just that through twitter.

The key to social networking is to give value without expecting anything in return. Until you've gained a loyal following through giving value to your customers will you ever receive anything. Done correctly, social networking builds brands, gains customer loyalty and trust and promotes your business.

1800flowers is doing all that by highlighting different twitter followers and keeping people's interest by tweeting fun facts like "Fun flower fact: There are over 125,000 known flower species."

1800flowers keeps their followers and customers engaged by asking questions and interacting with them. All this leads to good mojo and people tend to trust companies that have a personal approach to their target audience.

Alex Crisses - Non Profit Work

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 18:28:00 +0000

Alex Crisses is a successful man by all standards. He is a principal at Insight Venture Partners where he focuses on infrastructure software and internet investments. Before joining IVP, he worked as an investment banking analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston's Global Energy and Power Group.

Alex Crisses graduated with top honors from Wharton School of Business where he did his BS in Economics and Harvard Business School where he did his MBA. He was an outstanding student in both universities and received The Dean's Award for Excellence at Wharton and graduated as a George F. Baker Scholar from Harvard.

Apart from his success in the private sector, Alex Crisses also gives time and expertise to charities. He is the former Director of Fund-raising and Executive Committee Member of Mind Matters - a New York based charity for under privileged high school students.

1800flower discount coupons!

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 12:28:00 +0000

Nothing makes my shopping heart beat faster than a sale or a discount coupon. Even if I don't need anything but I have a discount coupon or code for that, I'd move heaven and earth to avail it.

My theory? Even if I don't need it, I can always gift it to someone! So when I came across 1800flowers discount code I got all excited. Imagine how many people I could make happy with this! Heck, we just celebrated mother's day too! Momma! I got you flowers!

Coupons for 1800flowers will make a lot of people happy. If you've bought flowers from them before, you'd be super happy with this. After all, who doesn't like a deal from a service they use?

1800flowers will keep a lot of current customers happy with their promotional codes and get a number of new ones too!

Norman Steisel: A man who wears many hats

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 11:41:00 +0000

Norman Steisel has worn many hats in his career. He has been a consultant, investment banker and Deputy Mayor of New York City.

He has held many executive positions through out his career. The most high profile of these have been: President and Founder of EnEssCo Strategies, Inc., Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer of Philadelphia Stock Exchange and Deputy Mayor of NYC.

Norman Steisel is known for his extensive experience in both, the public and private sector. His leadership and management skills are well known and he is considered a savvy, result oriented leader which makes him a successful candidate for whichever position he holds.

Prior to becoming the Deputy Mayor of NYC, Norman Steisel served as the Commissioner of Sanitation in NYC from 1979 - 1986. His Deputy Mayorship lasted four years from 1990-1994.

Eyeglasses are sexy!

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 10:49:00 +0000

Tina Fey makes eyeglasses look sexy. That's the thought I had while I was shopping for eyeglasses when I found out I had weakened sight - in one eye.

Unfortunately, I'm not Tina Fey. Instead of sexy, I look like a geek with glasses too big for my nose. I know there are eyeglasses out there that can make me look good. A quick look through eyeglasses.com tells me that indeed, they can look good. They have variety and also don't necessarily need to drill a hole in my pocket but alas, I've yet to figure out how to make the smart choice where eye glasses are concerned.

How do I make them look good on me?

What looks good to me in the shop ends up not looking good outside it - after I've ordered them of course. My sisters are no help. They love rubbing it in (like any sibling worth their salt would).

1800flowers for all occasions

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 21:25:00 +0000

When we think about flowers, it's usually in the happy sense. Flowers are associated with birthday, anniversaries, weddings etc.

What we often forget is that they are also associated with sorrow. You give flowers to express sympathy, condolences etc. They're left at graves, used in funerals, memorials and vigils.

When given at a sad occasion, extreme care is taken in your choice of flowers. 1800flowers helps you make the most appropriate and thoughtful choice accordingly.

With 1800flowers, you can commiserate with your loved ones and support them in their hour of need.

Just as there is sadness in the world, there is also happiness. 1800flowers is there in your happy times too.

Shasta Pools to the rescue

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 13:12:00 +0000

Getting a pool installed in your backyard is a dream for most home owners. Of course that's before the reality of the cost of maintaining it enters your head. Compare that with the thought of spending that money towards your mortgage and installing a pool just doesn't seem like a good idea any more.

But what if you could maintain your pool without extorbitant maintainance prices? And what if *gasp* you already have a pool? Shasta Pools offers pool maintainance services and tools. Your pool drainage acting up? Get Shasta Pools to fix it for you.

Need to buy new or replace equipment? Shasta Pools has it all. They also offer free water analysis and guarantee their parts. If you buy from them and a part turns out faulty, Shasta Pools will take care of it.

Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 12:18:00 +0000

Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners has a lustrious educational background. As both, a Wharton and Harvard grad, he has carved a successful career for himself as a Principal at Insight Venture Partners.

After graduating from Univesity of Penssilvania's Wharton School of Business in 2002, Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners joined Insight the same year. He focused mainly on Infrastructure software and internet investments. Before joining Insight, Alex Crisses Insight Venture Partners worked for Credit Suisse First Boston’s Global Energy and Power Group as an investment banking Analyst.

Not only has Alex Crisses been an outstanding student (he graduated from Harvard as a Baker Scholar), he has been working actively with various charities. He was an Executive Committee member of Mind Matters - a charity for under priveledged high school students and also served as its Director of Fundraising. He is also Event Chair for New York Police Department Foundation and a supporter of Make a Wish Foundation.

Romancing with flowers

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:24:00 +0000

There's something about flowers that shouts romance. Whether you get them for your sweetie on a random day just because you were thinking about her, or on Valentines when she expects them - flowers speak romance like nothing else.

The best thing about flowers can be used on any occasion and given to anyone regardless of relationship and age gap. They tend to melt women like nothing else. Take a few daisies for your mom and you'll know what I mean.

Messed up big time? Take home flowers either as an apology or a means to soften the blow when you 'fess up. Imagine the look on your 6 year old daughter's face when you hand her a rose telling her that just like the rose is the most beautiful flower, she's the most beautiful person to you.

Cheesy? Maybe. But not so far from the truth. Making the women in your life happy ultimately keeps you happy.

1800flowers Celebrates Valentines In Style

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 12:18:00 +0000

Romance is never more in the air than around Valentine's Day. The twilight series however, created a similar effect around both its movie releases. Girls were going crazy, guys (for once) knew what to do to make their significant other happy. Sales of movie tickets and books went off the roof.

This Valentines, 1800flowers.com has come up with a perfect solution to delight your loved one. They've brought out a Twilight Flowers Poster Bundle. Flowers, posters, chocolate and a Twilight DVD are all available depending on which package you choose.

Not only will you be able to create the perfect Valentine atmosphere but you'll also have the satisfaction of knowing that your gift purchase contributed towards charity. 1800flowers has pledged to donate $2 on purchase of every Twilight gift bundle.

As they were singled out recently by MSNBC for the transparency in their pricing, you'll know that the donation will be made for sure.

Flowers For Your Valentine!

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 21:10:00 +0000

Flower shops wait in anticipation of Valentine’s Day all year long. All those flowers being ordered and delivered, last minute special deliveries, special orders for hard to get flowers…

Even the simplest of flowers like daisies are arranged into exquisite bouquets to entice customers. There’s something about flowers that just brighten a day and bring a smile to one’s face. They brighten a room, attract attention and spread cheer.

No matter how differently one plans their valentine’s day, flowers, especially roses factor into those plans. After all, a Valentine’s Day without flowers just doesn’t seem right.

So whether you plan on celebrating Valentines or not (and I know folks who don’t), get your significant other flowers to mark the day. Come to think of it, you should be bringing home flowers every now and then and not just on Valentines.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Searching For a Job? Try American Career Group

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:39:00 +0000

In these times of recession, the unemployment rate has increased - thanks to the huge job cuts across the country. Everyone has heard of someone who's lost a job. Searching for a new job in the current market situation is like hunting for a needle in a hay stack.

This is where services like American Career Group come in handy. They connect job seekers looking for work with companies that are looking to hire. Both parties register with them and if there's a match, they're connected.

American Career Group also offers various resources to job seekers such as interview tips, resume writing tips, cover letter writing tips etc.

Not only do they provide resources but the American Career Group claims to make it easy for companies to hire employees. Their roster is filled with companies ranked in Fortune as well as smaller, private companies in various industries.

Andrew Wilshire: An Entrepreneural Power House

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:25:00 +0000

Andrew Wilshire entered the financial sector when he was recruited to work for Beddows Commodities Inc. after graduating from Florida State University. This job proved to be the stepping stone for Andrew, who went on to bigger and better thing through hard work and dedication.

During his time with Beddows, he handled corporate clients such as Paul Tudor Jones-Tudor Fund and handled one of the largest traders in the world. In 1997, Andrew Wilshire started his own financial newsletter which went on to make market predictions and analysis for some major commodity traders.

His newsletter was so successful that he went on to turn it into a fully fledged brokerage house with more than 25 brokers and generate millions of dollars in commissions.

Now, Andrew Wilshire owns Worth Bullion Group which provides investment opportunities for private investers to invest in precious metals.

Flowers Save The Day Every Time!

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:30:00 +0000

Every time I think of flowers being given as a gift, I think of a man giving them to a woman. Pretty narrow minded of me but there you have it. I realized that flowers can be given to anyone by anyone this summer.

I was travelling when my husband's birthday came around. I was at a complete loss on how to make the day special for him. I've never been a demonstrative person. Birthdays mean dinner out for us and an exchange of gifts. Pretty standard stuff. This time though, just calling and saying "Happy Birthday" didn't feel right.

Which is when I thought why not send flowers and cake? Sure it's a girly present but it'll tell him I'm thinking of him. So that is indeed what I did and voila! - problem solved.

Sending them turned out to be a bigger problem though. Finding a reliable service to do it was a hassle. A local service like 1-800 Flowers would have been a god send.

I wouldn't recommend international shipping which has no home base in the country you're in, which is why a local service is so important. If 1-800 Flowers delivers in your area then you'll never be at a loss as to how to send presents to loved ones.

There should be more service providers like 1-800 Flowers to make life easy for us travelers.

Sak Narwal's Passion for Fishing

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:06:00 +0000

Hobbies are an interesting phenomenon. They have the power to make one feel productive, useful and at the same time relax their mind, body and soul. No matter how busy people are, they usually make time for it or at least dream of spending their off-time pursuing their hobby.

Sak Narwal, an entrepreneur by profession is no different. His hobby is also his passion. Fishing has played a big part in Sak's life ever since he was introduced to it as a child. His love for fishing is so strong that he has traveled all over the country and world to fish in some of the most spectacular places available to mankind.

The remarkable thing about Sak Narwal is that he's a "catch and set free" fisher. He doesn't cook the fish he catches but instead lets them go. For him, the real joy is in catching the fish. He doesn't believe in eating his catch but instead lets them back into the water and sets them free.

Even with his busy schedule, Sak Narwal makes sure to fish as often as possible and can often be found fishing on weekends.

One-Eyed Monster

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:40:00 +0000

I never thought I'd need to wear glasses. Sure, 90% of my family has weak eyes but every time I've gotten my eyes checked they've turned out to be perfectly fine.

Imagine my shock when at my last eye check up, I found out that I had weak eye sight - in one eye only. Once my siblings had stopped ridiculing me and I stopped toying with idea of buying myself a Monocle (Seeing as how only one eye of mine had weak sight), I concentrated my efforts on finding the perfect pair of eyeglasses. After all, I didn't want to end up looking like a one-eyed monster. The monocle may have been all the rave in the 18th century but we have to admit, it's not quite the "thing" in present times.

Since I'm a child of the internet age, it was natural for me to turn to the internet for finding out my options. I may be weak sighted in one eye but that was no reason for me to look uncool! The glasses had to be cool, chic, long lasting and comfortable.

See how cool Tina Fey looks? I wanted to look just as good.

A quick glance through eyeglasses.com gave me a fair idea of what I kind of look I wanted - and what look I didn't want! I finally settled on two glasses when I went out to purchase them and have been trying to get used to them ever since!

The Flower Effect

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Flowers are for every occasion; an anniversary, birthday, valentines, birth and even death. They have the universal ability to convey any message be it happiness or commiseration.

The best thing about flowers is that they're sincere and women appreciate them. From a little girl getting her first flowers from her dad, a woman in her 60's getting them from her husband for their 25th wedding anniversary to a blind date turning up with flowers; they make long lasting impressions on women.

Let's face it, men can't live without women. So if you want to make a good impression, be forgiven or surprise the woman/women in your life, you better befriend a flower shop and stick to them so that they learn your preferences.

The Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:28:00 +0000

The Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society offers a life philosophy of spiritual practice. They preach love and harmony and hold study groups etc.

A lot of people in today’s world are confused, angry and frustrated. All of which bring out the ugly in human nature. The Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society promotes seeking knowledge, harmony and spiritual self development. An awareness of self and those around you is considered necessary to make a positive impact and find peace.

The Deer Tribe Metis Medicine Society has a mission to fight poverty, ignorance, slavery, bigotry, racism and superstition etc to make our future generations educated, empowered and informed.

A Jazz and Polo Fan: Mohammad Babangida

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:18:00 +0000

Public figures are often only known for things that they do. No one wonders what their hobbies are or what they do in their spare time. The idea to ask about the interests never occurs unless they promote it or support their favourite sport or music band/genre openly.

One such example is that of Mohammad Babangida. As a professional, he’s a businessman known for his work in the Petroleum industry and his current work for Santa Isabel Petroleum Company.

What most people don’t know is that Mohammad Babangida is a jazz fan and loves to play polo. Talk to him about it and he starts off passionately about Jazz music. He’s made a concentrated effort to start discussions on the evolution of Jazz music in Africa.

Mohammad Babangida is also a fan of polo. While he lives in Nigeria, he’s worked hard on educational programs and other philanthropic activities.

Get help from American Tax Relief

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Wed, 27 May 2009 23:08:00 +0000

American Taxes are a mystery. Not only to people who don’t live in the United States but even to those who do! Taxes are hassle. They’re confusing and its impossible to work them out on our own. What’s the absolute worst is that you make a mistake, you land in trouble with the IRS!

If you get confused, make a mistake or mess up your taxes and you just might end up in jail. Don’t get depressed just yet though! There’s light at the end of the tunnel. Because taxes are so confusing, tax lawyers are always in demand. A law firm like American Tax Relief specializes in – you guessed it – taxes.

American Tax Relief sorts out your taxes for you and if you’re already in trouble, it will negotiate on your behalf. They’ll either get you an extension or get the amount of taxes lower. Companies like American Tax Relief work because people just don’t have the time to understand how to do their own taxes.

Personally, even if they did have the time, I’m not sure anyone would completely understand them! Whether you’re a businessman or a 9-5er, if you’re earning enough to be eligible to pay taxes then you’d be better off hiring a firm like American Tax Relief.

Save yourself tons of trouble down the line and even more time by letting American Tax Relief handle your taxes for you.

Holidaying with YMT Vacations

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:47:00 +0000

As we grew older, we somehow forget how important it is for us to take a break and regain our energy. We get busy with work and forget that if we don’t stop, we’re going to get burned out. Thankfully, kids are a great reminder to vacations. The minute summers come close we get hounded by requests of vacation trips.

Once promised, its impossible to go back on our word without a valid reason. And even then the kids kill you with the guilt trips. It’s easy to push back plans of a vacation till the last minute.

Learn to recognize the importance of vacations and plan them in advance. YMT Vacations is a great way to plan your holidays. Not only can you plan them but find excellent deals for various trips.

Fancy going to Hawaii or think the kids will benefit from a European tour? Sign up for a tour at very reasonable rates! YMT vacations understands that vacations need not burn a hole in your pocket. They offer discount vacation packages.

If you’re looking for a different experience, then try YMT vacations cruise holiday packages. Travel in style. Enjoy some quality family time as well as explore a new country.

Remodelling Your Home With K-Designers

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Wed, 27 May 2009 22:26:00 +0000

Not many of us live in our dream house. Yet it doesn’t stop us from wishing and dreaming for it. In our day dreams of the perfect house, we have the perfect bathrooms, big kitchens, a patio, fenced backyard, Jacuzzis etc. Everything that our current home is lacking

Even if we can’t afford our dream house at the moment, what if we could turn our current home into our dream home? What am I talking about? Remodelling. Hire a remodelling agency like K-Designers and get all the elements of your dream home.

Remodelling is a cheap alternative to buying your dream house. Even your new house would need things done to get it exactly how you want it. K-Designers are known for remodelling homes in affordable rates and they pride themselves on doing excellent work.

Whether you want to remodel your kitchen, bathrooms, backyard or overhaul your plumbing, K-Designers can do it for you easily. They also make houses more weather sturdy, fix doors and windows etc.

Their slogan states “Get a new house at your old address”. I love it! What are you waiting for? Get your home remodelled into your dream one already.

Happy Mother's Day! A little history and lots of love

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Fri, 08 May 2009 12:54:00 +0000

Two years after her mother’s death in 1904, Anna Jarvis held a memorial to her mother and thereafter established a campaign to make Mothers Day a recognized holiday. Therefore, incorporated as a national holiday in 1914, Mothers Day has become one the fairly newer holidays of modern times.

A mother can never be celebrated in a fulfilling manner; she is much too great to be honored by mere measureable and perishable tokens. In such a case, how do you decide upon your gift to her? You keep in mind the two most well known and universal facts. One, flowers are considered one of the most beautiful creations of nature. Two, all mothers love to be pampered and spoiled a little by their children; at least my mother does. What are mothers most conscious about in themselves? That they look old. Therefore, I'll be celebrating my mum's day by gifting her a bouquet of Lilacs, Bluebells and Orchids along with a surprise Day Spa package deal.

Mothers Day should be celebrated with regularity every year, everywhere. It reminds us of what this society has forgotten; the importance of a family, and a family is always spearheaded by a mother at its heart.

So what are you waiting for? Go get her Mothers day flowers already!

It’s Time To Surprise Your Mum

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Fri, 01 May 2009 11:42:00 +0000

As much as I dislike celebrating things like birthdays and anniversaries, I’m all for mother’s day. Let’s face it, none of us are grateful to our mums for all their sacrifices most of the time. Heck we don’t even think about it and half the time we’re disagreeing with her.

Mother’s day makes us stop and take stock of everything out mum has done for us over the years. From changing our diapers to being our one man source of constant support and encouragement.

The most humbling part is that mum’s don’t need much to feel appreciated and loved. Mothers day Flowers are more than enough to make her the happiest person on the planet. Mum’s are the most undemanding people in our lives.

Showing your gratitude on Mother’s day through flowers is the way to go. 1800flowers coupon is a great option for buying cheap flowers that won’t cost a hole in your pocket and you can truthfully tell your mum that you did not spend a fortune on her gift when she scolds you for spending so much money on her!

If your mum’s like mine – she’ll ask the price and you can show her the coupon you used at 1800flowers. Perfect excuse to praise her and tell that she raised a money savvy kid ;)

Considering Your Home Care Options

noreply@blogger.com (Samar Owais) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:58:00 +0000

Growing old is a natural way of life. You can't fight it, you can't hide it (for long anyway!) and you most certainly can't escape it. To a majority growing old also means care centres.

The biggest 'growing old' fear of people is that they won't be able to take care of themselves and will need to depend on their children. The very next fear is that once their health deteriorates or they become too big a burden, their children will put them in care centres for the elderly.

Care centres are not the only option though. There are home care centres where an attending is assigned to take care of an elder person daily in their own homes. This way they don't have to leave the comfort of their house or live with strangers.

One such service providing company is Adult Care Assistance. They are a home health care service that provides Alzheimer's care as well as live-in home care.

The option of having a place like Homecare Pheonix is certainly more appealing than care centres for the elderly. They cause less stress on older people and also gives their off spring a chance to spend quality time with them every day instead of going over to meet them every weekend.

Home Care Pheonix has a dedicated staff providing various care facilities. Apart from proving live-in facilities, Pheonix Homecare also offers the benefits of retirement community and hospital and rehab facility.