Smile Blog

Feel Good, Surround Yourself with Flowers

2012-02-24T12:33:00.000-05:00

I was totally thrilled to see that InStyle Magazine suggests surrounding yourself with flowers to feel better. I could not agree more!!

Choose New Jersey Event

2012-02-22T22:30:00.000-05:00

We love last minute corporate gigs like this one for Choose NJ, which is located here in the Princeton Forrestal Village. A bit more about Choose NJ later. Anyway, looking to brighten up their offices for a office grand opening tonight, they contacted us yesterday to see if we might be able to provide them with fresh floral decor. Can we do that??? Is the sky blue!! We live to do that! As you can see, Design Manager Holly went to town making festive arrangements to decorate the event.

This will greet guests as they arrive! The coffee table piece below just adds a touch of color and freshness to the entrance sitting area.

How cool is this, our amazing state and touting all the wonderful reasons to have a business in New Jersey!

The piece below was a colorful addition to the board room. A touch of fresh spring flowers really livened up an otherwise, colorless room. They just might love it so much that may want flower every week - a flower girl like me can only hope.

You go New Jersey, a wall showing all the great things about doing business in NJ.

The piece below would grace the food table. I love how Holy has this piece magically floating on a clear glass vase decorated with submerged orchids inside. What a fun piece, don't you think?

This quiet outdoor sitting area was the perfect spot for a small but colorful floral display. Love how the pop of red, picks up the red pillows on the couch.

Fresh and lively, I think these flowers really speak to the happiness in the office!

The podium below will be hosting the Lt. Governor later on today. :o)

Choose New Jersey's Mission:
To encourage and nurture economic growth throughout New Jersey, including a focus on making the state's most distressed cities engines for growth and opportunity. The mission includes implementing a marketing program for the state and development policy recommendations to improve the business environment.

POSITION New Jersey as a world-class leader in the competitive global market
CHAMPION the State's economic development initiatives, build and lead an economic development powerhouse team and establish an overarching message
MARKET and create a surge of national and international awareness
DEVELOP policy initiatives that capitalize on New Jersey's strengths and help prospects navigate the process

To find out more about them visit their website at www.choosenj.com

A Wedding From Years Past

2012-02-21T11:30:00.000-05:00

Don't ask me to tell you when we did this wedding, but needless to say it was quite a few years ago. Although, I believe the brides name was Grace (I could be wrong but it's one of my favorite names and so it was memorable to me) I remember these bouquets like it was yesterday. This photo was taken at Mountain Lakes House, right here in pretty Princeton.

The bridal bouquet was created in a gold handled bouquet holder using all green cymbidium orchids and stephanotis flowers. I especially loved the brides maids flowers which were hand tied bouquets of Black Bacarra roses, green cymbidium orchids, deep burgundy mini callas and accents of green hypericum berries. Back on my radar again because when meeting with Bride Jackie the other night, these bouquets just might be perfect for her brides maids to carry. What's old is new again I guess! To see these and more of our wedding designs visit our website at www.sendingsmiles.com and www.perfectweddingflowers.com

Monday Morning Flowers Hit Princeton TV

2012-02-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

I'm certainly not single but it's been fun providing flowers for the Kari Adams show which recently went prime time on Princeton's TV30. Tune in to see our flowers and to hear all the hot topics about dating, relationships, social living, singlehood and lifestyle in the Princeton, NJ and surrounding areas.

Kari isn't just the host of the show, she also owns her own singles and matchmaking company, "Princeton Elite Club," where she's heard it all when it comes to dating and relationships! Have any burning questions about dating, h...ow to meet that someone special, or relationships? Kari addresses myraid social topics asked by viewers in
the "Ask Kari" segment of the show. Be sure to tune in to get up to speed on all things dating!

Thanks for the great photos Kari and so happy to be bringing a floral touch to your TV set!! To learn more about Kari and her matchmaking company, visit her website at

	www.princetoneliteclub.com

Celebrating Special Times

2012-02-18T10:29:00.000-05:00

One of the best parts of our job is when we get to create pretty floral centerpieces for special events. Take these centerpieces created for a Golden Anniversary party at Salt Creek Grille. No, you don't have to splurge on floral arrangements but we think it's well worth the investment. It's not everyday your parents celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary, right?

More Purple.....

2012-02-15T19:26:00.000-05:00

I don't know what it is about the color purple but it's been showing up everywhere I Turn. This week past bride Suzan sent these photos our way and I'm so glad she did. I love the brides maids gowns, don't you? The flowers were just a sweet addition.

What fun seeing how the couple arrived in style!

Suzan's bouquet was gorgeous with ivory roses, brown cymbidium orchids, purple mini callas and purple roses. Her gown was so elegant and had lots of detail.

What a lovely color palate for a late fall wedding, don't you think? To see this and more or our floral design check out our website at www.sendingsmiles.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist

Flowers Shipped in a Box Verses a Local Florist

2012-02-12T09:50:00.000-05:00

Well, this photos is quite alarming isn't it. The roses on the right were delivered by a local florist. The one on the left, however was shipped in a box. Below is the wording posted, along with this photo, on the Facebook Page of my floral wholesaler.

And I quote them:
"TowersFlowers vs "Online Flowers" - this is a picture everyone should post on their personal pages so friends and family can understand why they need to purchase flowers from a retail shop this Valentine's Day.

The "arrangement" on the left, purchased from a well known online order gatherer, ended up costing $82.95...$28 UPS charge, $10 "long stem" upgrade, and $4.99 vase upgrade.

Don't let your customers, friends, and family be disappointed this Valentine's Day…they deserve better!"

Obviously, someone who works there did a test order. One from a local florist who hand delivered the roses on the right and the second one from a well known online website who ships unarranged flowers via a shipping company. As always, you don't always get what you pay for and all those extras sure do add up. My overall message is Buyer Beware.

A Real Beach Wedding

2012-02-10T13:39:00.000-05:00

Oh my goodness, the line of brides in and out of our shop has been constant (and a bit overwhelming if I'm truly honest)! I predict that our wedding calendar is going to book up faster than any other year since I started doing weddings 20 years ago. On one hand, I'm flattered because it means the word out on the street is that we do a great job with our wedding designs - offer beautiful flowers, fair pricing and excellent service. Wow, I patted myself so hard on the back and knocked myself off my chair! Just kidding.
On to the topic listed above - A Real Beach Wedding. The other night I met with past bride Jodi and her friend Jackie to talk about her October wedding. I admit, I was a bit more snippy than usual and I'm going to admit that I probably had put in too long a day, with too little food and water and the tail end of a horrible cold dragging me down. Sorry Jodi and Jackie!! But how sweet was it to come in the next morning to see in my email, sent that night at 10:30 pm, pictures that Jodi realized she never shared with me from her wedding 5 years ago. I wanted to share so here you go - A Real Beach Wedding from May, 2007. Enjoy!!

I loved the colors of the brides maids bouquet, cymbidium orchids, lavender roses and light blue hydrangea. What a lovely color theme for a Mother's Day weekend wedding at the beach.

How cute it this? A touch of flowers for the Mother of the Brides purse. Love it!

There she is, the beautiful bride Jodi (who looks just as pretty 5 years later). Putting in a good word about our wedding flowers to her friend Jackie just makes me happy, happy, happy because we live for referrals.

I don't have confirmation but I believe this is Jodi's handsome hubby. I have to admit, I have a soft spot for these photos of the boys carrying the girls flowers. Not sure why but I do!

Jodi is an extremely talented baker. She not only made her very own 4 tiered wedding cake, she backed and decorated three small wedding cakes for each guest table. Propped up on adorable tins (at three different heights) they really gave the guests something to savor with their eyes until their time came to eat them!

What a sweet flower girl with her kissing ball of hydrangea and stephanotis. She looks like a little princess....

The bouquets in waiting. It hardly seems like 5 years ago that we did Jodi's wedding but she has assured me it's so. What a sweet gesture to send me these photos and bring me her "engaged" friends. It's times that these that I have to step back, slow down and enjoy the fruits of my labor. The door maybe revolving quickly with brides but it's a testiment to our passion, creativity and work ethic and today was just the day I needed to realize that!!

To see this more of our wedding designs visit our website at www.perfectweddingflowers.com or our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist

Guest Blog by J Schwanke - The Flower Expert!

2012-02-08T09:57:00.000-05:00

Are you “Saying it with Flowers?”

Hey there! I’m J and they call me the “Flower Expert”! On ABC Television I’m known as the “Flower Guru” and I host the world’s first internet weekly web TV show about flower apply named “Fun with Flowers with J”. My industry refers to me as “the Most Trusted Voice in the Flower Industry”. :o)

Monday Morning Flower’s Georgianne and I became fast friends at a seminar I was giving in Heightstown, NJ. I love her energy and enthusiasm for helping her fans “say it with flowers” whether it’s for Valentine’s day, prom, happy weekend or BOY do I LOVE YOU!!!

No matter how you break it down, I love everything about flowers. Nothing (and I do mean NOTHING!!!) allows us to share our emotions better than flowers. It’s impossible to “RUIN” someone’s day with flowers although it is possible to select the wrong flower. Consider the gentleman who sent his wife a cactus to repair their “prickly” relations…well, you get the idea. :o)

The Society of American Florist tells us SO much about the way flowers can make a difference. Sick people that receive flowers get better faster (Yellow flowers = EVEN FASTER), homes with flowers have fewer disagreements and seniors, in the presence of flowers, have happier thoughts and better memory retention.

And flowers aren’t just for the ladies. I recently filmed a show with FOX News downin Charlotte with anchor Christine Noel, where we discussed “Chick and Dude flowers”. Together we created a fantastic basket of flowers that crossed gender barriers!

The February/March issue of AARP (I’m a proud member…hehe) endorsed flowers at the #1 SURE FIRE ingredient for ROMANTIC night at home and featured tulips! To show how the world has changed, tulips are no longer a spring flower. They are available 24-7 thanks to Sun Valley Groupin Arcata, Ca who solved the year round equation for tulip production. (Georgianne note: look for our future blog that talks about flowers grown right here in the USA).

Every moment of our lives is made more memorable with flowers beginning with birth right through prom, engagement, wedding, anniversary, and sympathy tributes. And let us not forget all those occasions in between such as birthdays, holidays, dog house day and make-up dinners. Can you imagine our lives without flowers?

I’ve spent my entire life surrounded by flowers. From my birth at a flower convention (can you imagine a greater beginning?) to running through my families greenhouse as a toddler then running my family business and now culminating as the host of Flower show. I realized early on that simply the best way to express our feelings is with FLOWERS!

So I ask you, what is it that you're trying to say today? Wouldn't it be EASIER, more EFFECTIVE and EMOTIONAL if you said it with flowers? Geogianne and her amazing Flower Artists are standing by with buckets of blossoms, ready to "increase your vocabulary", I'm just sayin.....
Thanks for the guest blog J and we thank you for your continued support of us and the florists of the world!! Georgianne

J Schwanke, AAF, AIFD, CFD, PFCI, The foremost Flower Expert and Host of Fun with Flowers and J on www.uBloom.com is the Most Trusted Voice in the Flower Industry. J’s Daily Flower Thoughts are available (FREE) Monday-Friday from uBloom.com an On-line community for Everything Flowers!

To learn more about J visit is his website at www.ubloom.com and you can connect with him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/jschwankeflowers

Calling All Prom Dresses

2012-02-06T08:30:00.000-05:00

Novo Nordisk Inc. is working in partnership with an organization called Cinderella's Closet and we are happy to assisting them. Cinderella's Closet is a not for profit organization that is dedicated to promoting self-esteem among young adults by providing less fortunate high school students in our community the opportunity to attend their prom in style. They seek to raise awareness of the socio-economic differences that exist in the local area, while advocating inclusiveness and diversity. The goal is to ensure that no high school student has to forfeit the lifelong memories associated with attending their prom due to financial hardship.

In February, Novo Nordisk and Monday Morning Flowers will begin a collection of prom dresses, boys suits, ties, accessories, shoes, makeup, handbags, scarves, shawls & costume jewelry (see attached flyer). Once the collection period ends, they plan to host a "prom boutique" in their facility in Princeton on Saturday, March 3rd. This is where the girls and boys will come and shop for their prom attire from the items they have collected, free of charge of course. The boutique is open to high school students who are in need of prom attire and who have limited financial means. These young adults are identified as "in need" by their guidance counselors, principals, clergy etc.

We hope you’re able to participate in this endeavor. Your support toward this worthy initiative is greatly appreciated! f you have any questions feel free to contact us at 609.520.2005 and if you'd like to donate a slightly used prom dress, shoes or jewelry, feel free to drop them off at either of our locations - Princeton Forrestal Village or 45 E. Afton Ave, Yardley.

"Make room in your closet while helping high school students at the same time”

Adele and Chris's Lambertville, NJ Wedding

2012-02-03T16:35:00.000-05:00

It's always fun to share real weddings with our blog readers and this one is especially rewarding being we will be doing her sister Sarah's wedding next.
Working on Adele and Chris's wedding flowers last year was both fun and exciting. We especially loved Adele's wedding bouquet of mini callas, protea, mokara and cymbidium orchids, berzillia berries, orange roses and fiddle ferns. Don't you just love the texture?

Adele and her sister Sarah have a bit of fun. Sarah's wedding is up next and very different than her sisters. But in this photo, the day belonged to Adele.

Adele and Chris seemed amazed by those cute fiddleheads in her bouquet. We're thinking the bouquet would not have been the same without them.

How sweet to have a carriage ride and to take pictures with this beautiful horse right in the heart of Lambertville, NJ.

Lambertville was the perfect back drop. The brown and orange color theme really popped against the fresh green fields.

After seeing these photos by photographer Brandon D. Rodkewitz, I'm thinking that every wedding party should find an abandoned railroad track to take their photos on!

The boys looks relaxed and handsome and we really loved their mini calla lily boutonnieres. Just the perfect touch on their elegant tuxes.

Remember to Budget for the Wedding Ceremony

2012-02-01T13:04:00.000-05:00

Decisions, decisions... planning a wedding is not an easy task not to mention expensive. With many weddings ceremonies today happening at the same place as the reception, many couples forget to include (or leave) money in their budget for flowers and ceremony decor. Although it's nice to decorate a church or synagogue, I find they need a bit less done to them to transform them into a wedding location. In the case of Jackie and Donovan's wedding this past Septmeber, we concentrated the decorations to the pews and did not try to add anything to an already beautiful altar.

I think the hydrangea and ribbon accents on the pews showed that something special was about to happen. The brides color palate of simple creams and ivory helped tone down the colors already present in the church and not compete with them. We also chose not to put the flowers on every pew. Every third one was decorated and helped draw your eye down to the altar without costing a fortune.

Simply tied on with an elegant satin ribbon, three stems of hydrangea made a nice sized accent on the pew and was noticable the moment you walked in. Although we often do one bloom, if budget allows, 3 really makes a wonderful show, don't you think?

To see this and more examples of our wedding and everyday floral design be sure to visit our website at www.sendingsmiles.com or our facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist

More Affordable Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

2012-01-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Who says you have to send red roses on Valentine's Day? If you ask the average woman if Red Rose are her favorite, most will tell you no. Don't believe me? Try asking them. Year round we sell lots and lots of red roses but we also sell roses in other colors such as peach (like above), pink, yellow, orange, white and even purple. What not think out of the box (and save some money) but sending something other than red this year?

Speaking of doing something different, why not send a flower other than roses? A vase of colorful gerbers is fun and flirty. Add a card message like "I saw this flower this morning and I thought it was the most beautiful thing I ever saw, until I saw you". Ok, who wouldn't melt with that!!

How about adding a hand written note to the center of this frame and then below it a picture of the two of you?

These sweet champagne glasses are the perfect gift. Making a special dinner at home? Have these at each place setting and then bring them out every year to toast your love? To see this and more gift ideas visit our website at www.sendingsmiles.com !

Wedding Awards for 2012

2012-01-26T16:17:00.000-05:00

It's not a secret around here that we do weddings, we love to do weddings and we do lots of them. So as you can imagine we were super happy to win both the Wedding Wire Brides Choice Award and to be a Knot Best of Wedding Pick for 2012 again this year.

Both awards are chosen because couples liked our flowers and our service. We could not be more proud! People often ask if we make a lot of money doing weddings and the answer I always give is: not really, but it is our claim to fame. It's our time to really shine, to show what we can do.

We love flowers and we love arranging them but weddings are special. You only get that one chance, that one day, to make the flowers perfect. Tons and tons of effort and time go into pulling off a wedding for a bride and groom and so although not one of the more profitable parts of our business, it certainly is the most gratifying.

We think our flowers add something special to the day and we hope they are remembered long after the day is over. No two brides are the same and no two weddings we do are the same. To be honored with both of these awards means the world to us. So to our brides and grooms, we say thank you. Thank you for letting us be a part of your very special day. We are honored and humbled.

Affordable Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day

2012-01-23T11:42:00.000-05:00

I know, I know, there are some folks out there that absolutely hate holidays like Valentine's Day. They think they were invented by gift companies to take money out of their pockets. Well, I don't think that's true but whether you spend a lot on your Valentine or not, I do think it's nice to at least recognize the day with a special treat or gift. This year we've order in lots of thoughtful gifts that are not only cute but really affordable. I remember when I was in high school, all I wanted from my guy was a cute card that said he loved me. I can tell you for sure when I was 16 or 17, if I received this card, I would have been a happy girl. We have lots of cards to choose from priced from .99 to $3.50. Now that's affordable right?

What about this sweet love picture frame. Add a photo of the two of you, wrap it up and imagine their surprise. This frame is priced right and comes in a really nice gift box.

We love these little boxes!! We plan on making floral arrangements in them but can't you imagine filling this with chocolates or even a cute, tiny teddy bear? the box is something she can keep too done in a very popular pink and chocolate brown color theme.

Give them this mug either by itself, filled with candy or even their favorite coffee drinks or a gift card to Starbucks. Not only will they enjoy whatever you put in it but they'll remember you love them all year long when they drink their favorite beverage out of it.

Looking for a cute way to present a small gift such as a piece of jewelry? How about one of these little tin pocket books? Even a tiny plant or stuffed animal tucked in would bring a smile, don't you think?

Yes, yes, we sell those "expensive" Valentine's Day gifts too such as long stem roses but who says you have to buy them if you don't want. We have lots of other cute gift ideas and take it from me, even a card, lovingly signed is enough to show you care and remembered the day. Happy Valentine's Day Shopping!!

Time to Reorganize and Refresh!

2012-01-20T14:37:00.000-05:00

Isn't January the perfect time to Reorganize and Refresh? If you are in retail, it really is! This January has been no exception for us. This year, right after new years, we did a complete reorganization of our Floral Design area. Not only was it our chance to really do a good cleaning but also look to at our space from a production point of view. We've always had space for 6 designers to work at one time but it was a bit more disjointed than I would have liked. Moving our storage units and flipping the design benches, now all 6 designers can work near each other, sharing flowers, design recipe books and other materials in a more efficient manner. Now the designers are all only steps away from the flower cooler, the sinks and everything else they need to complete their designs quickly.

Did you know that at our Princeton location that we have 2 large coolers - one that measures 12 feet by 15 feet and another that is 12 feet by 9 feet? Having the flowers stored and organize in a logical manner not only gives the customer the freshest, best quality flowers but also allows us to buy in a way that gives them the best pricing possible.

The design and storage area was not the only part of Monday Morning Flowers to get a face lift. Right now we are in the middle of having the retail area completed repainted, new light fixtures have been added and soon there will be new carpet. If you are in the area, come check out our new and improved flower shop!! Last but not least, if you haven't been to our website you need to check out all the new arrangement like this pretty arrangement below. Party Girl is a fun arrangement in bright, hot colors, perfect for any happy occasion, don't you think? Well that's all that's fresh and new and believe me, we're enjoying our new, clean and updated organized space. Let's face it, when next month rolls around and the shop turns back into it's usual zoo, we'll be happy for all the effort put forward now!

What's New for 2012

2012-01-13T17:57:00.001-05:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner and spring beyond that (yes, I'm thinking towards spring) it's always nice to freshen up our website and add new floral offerings. Starting off 2012 right mean adding some fun, colorful arrangements to our product mix.

Below are just a few of what we added to our website this week - www.sendingsmiles.com.

Oh and don't forget to order your Valentine's Day flowers early!! Save $5 anytime by using promotion code SMILE2

Sweet Love

Bright Smiles

Island Elegance

Citrus Crush

Loves Rush

Party Girl

Sunflower Fantasy

Seashore Centerpiece

Birthday Float!

Just a Bit of Purple

2012-01-10T17:03:00.002-05:00

Over a year ago I wrote a blog that focused on the Color Purple (hey, wasn't that a movie with Whoopie Goldberg and Oprah) and here we are beginning a new year and the color purple is still hot, hot, hot!! I've been meeting with brides left and right and the color purple is still showing up as dominate color for this year in wedding designs. The above centerpieces were created for our very own Sheryl's sisters wedding. Everything was purple, including the floral centerpieces that were made from hydrangeas in a variety of shading.

This bouquet being made by designer Rocio has pops of purple statice along with rich red roses and deep blue delphinium.

These simple brides maids bouquets were just the perfect shade to match their deep purple/fuchsia gowns.

Bride Naomi wanted a Royal feel to her wedding day and so we took apart purple hydrangea blooms and sprinkled them down the aisle at the Nassau Inn.

Two different shades of purple daisies created these elegant kissing balls for an outdoor wedding ceremony.

We love, loved, loved these bouquets created for bride Suzan's fall wedding. Shades of purple accented with browns and pops of green made for a stunning color combination, don't you think?

Bright and vibrant, these bouquets would not have looks so flirty without the purple carnations.

This engagement party at Salt Creek Grille really had the purple theme going on, especially with the deep quartz purple linens that really helped pick up on the purple flowers in the table arrangements.

Purple stock and roses paired with Picasso mini callas and pops of yellow solidago really were a pretty combination.

The bridal bouquet added a touch of ivory.

Purple anyone?

The color of Royalty and you can see why, purple really was a strong color for 2011 and I predict will be much loved and used going into 2012. To see more of our floral designs, check out our website at www.sendingsmiles.com or our wedding page at www.perfectweddingflowers.com. Let us know what you think of our designs on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist

What's New at the Shop - January 2012

2012-01-09T11:25:00.000-05:00

I have to say, that this past year we had lots of fun bringing in new giftware items. The different gifts we brought in for Christmas sold so well that we decided to really punch up the volume of gifts at the shop this spring. That being said, it didn't take me long to hop on my favorite gift websites and stock up. Coffee mugs sold extremely well for Christmas and so these mugs above should be popular to. My favorite one is actually hidden in the back and says "Stop me before I volunteer again". :o)

These little kitty banks are so cute and will be affordable additions to flower arrangements and goodie bags for birthdays and new babies, don't you think?

The wine glasses we had this past holiday sold completely out and so having these everyday styles will be a great additon to our giftware. These glasses have funny sayings and colorful designs. Personally, I love anything with poka dots!

I brought in these lanterns for the spring and couldn't help but display them now. Imagine having these light your entrance way during a summer party?

The pitcher to the let is absolutely stunning in person and I especially love the positive thoughts and sayings that go all the way around. It also comes with a very elegant gift box. The bee, honeycomb vase is just too cute and I love the antique feel of it.

Lots of product arrived for Valentine's Day and so I'll probably blog about that later but don't you love these mugs? Imagine filling them with little chocolate kisses and adding a balloon. What a fun gift to give your Valentine.

Last but not least, how cute are these wine glass. I love the little stars on the stems. What a fun item to give as gift for a 30th or 40th birthday. Perfect for that wine lover who is celebrating a BIG birthday! To see these and more of our giftline visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist and our website at www.sendingsmiles.com

Party Themes

2012-01-05T09:50:00.001-05:00

Having a party or wedding in 2012? How about considering having a theme? In the case of these wedding centerpieces, they fit the overall summer beach theme and didn't have to be complex. Imagine how pretty these looked when the sun went down and the candles were lit. An easy do it yourself project or in our case something we created and set up for the couple and only $25 per table. Bigger is not always better and choosing a theme allows you to be creative without breaking the bank! To see this and other design ideas visit our wedding website at www.perfectweddingflowers.com or check out our facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist

Five Dollar Friday

2012-01-02T17:39:00.001-05:00

Did you know that every Friday we have a $5.00 flower special? Each Friday morning we decide as a team what we want to offer and then we post it on our facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist and www.facebook.com/sendingsmiles.

What makes it special is the price! At a retail value of usually $10 to $25, the $5 price tag gives our customers an affordable way to have flowers in their home every week. Feel free to call ahead to reserve your bouquet or just to find out what flowers are being offered! We'd love to see you this or any other Friday. 111 Main Street, Princeton Forrestal Village (just up from the Westin Hotel) and 45 E. Afton Ave, Yardley, PA.

A Sneak Peek at a New Years Eve Wedding

2011-12-30T15:59:00.000-05:00

I don't often post wedding bouquet photos before we deliver them but in this case I had to make an exception. The days leading up to a wedding are busy for us here at the shop and this weekend having 3 weddings is no exception. I'm really looking forward to the ceremony being held at the Nassau Inn Ballroom tomorrow night. Design Manager Holly just finished her bouquet and it's a beauty. Using flowers in a combination that we often use - roses and mini callas, this one is speaks to the occasion and the holiday with the addition of silver hypericum berries and winter foliage's.

Tomorrow nights New Years Eve wedding will be alive with lots of candle light and wisps of silver. The last wedding to be done in that ballroom before it goes under renovation, I can't wait to post photos for you to see of this and our other two spectacular New Years Eve Weddings!!

To see this and other photos of our wedding designs visit our facebook page at www.facebook.com/localflorist and our regular website at www.sendingsmiles.com

Flowers After Hours

2011-12-27T18:35:00.001-05:00

We hope you all had a fantastic Christmas. For us it was a busy time in the shop, lots of hours working but lots of laughs too. Have Christmas Day off from the shop was so wonderful for the hubby and I. Slept in a bit later than usual, had a nice breakfast and then what did we do??? We hopped in the car for our annual trek out to Longwood Gardens so that we could be surrounded once again with flowers!

Nobody does Christmas like Longwood Gardens and this year was no exception. Gingerbread cookies were the theme throughout and what an amazing display it was!

Everywhere you looks there was lush foliage and poinsettias!

My personal favorite area is the orchid room. With so many orchids growing up the wall in every color of the rainbow. These orange ones were one of my personal favorites but can you really have a favorite when you faced with such loveliness?

Hehehe, this one makes me laugh. When I see him I see a smiling mouth, a funny little nose and huge eyebrows. Andy Rooney, is that you?

It's hard to believe that this amazing flower is real, isn't it? I loved the colors with all it's shading. How perfect.

Here's me in the Herb area. I loved this herb wreath with it's parsley, sages, oregano and pops of red kalanchoes.

On to the succulents and bromeliads. I loved this plant but for the life of can't remember it's name. Can you believe those colors?

Just a touch of the tropics, this lone Bird of Paradise was blooming so vibrantly!

On to the rose house... ah my favorite flower in the whole world. Not as many roses were blooming as last year at this time but gorgeous never the less!

This is my favorite photo of the day. Just next to the roses are the hibiscus. I love these flowers so much with their vibrant huge headed flowers. Too bad we can't use these blooms in wedding designs. Sorry Brides, they only bloom for a day and then they are gone. Not a good choice for your wedding day!

This was my favorite color theme of the day. These grayish coleus plants with pops of chocolate brown undersides mixed among light pink kalanchoe....... wow, can't you image that as a wedding color theme?

Wow, don't you want these in your back yard? Pink cyclamen, white kolanchoes, blue salvia and pink poinsettias... so lovely, soft and romantic, don't you think?

Christmas trees were everywhere, decorated in natural greens and ginger bread. Longwood Gardens is one of the most magical places to me. The perfect way to spend my day away from the Flower Shop! I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year everyone!!

Flowers and Food

2011-12-23T11:11:00.000-05:00

It's that time of year again and as has become the tradition, Shop Coordinator Sheryl has made my favorite sweet for us to share at the shop today! Email me at g@mondayflowers.com if you'd like the recipe but lets just say there is butter and chocolate involved so the yum factor is over the top! Thanks Sheryl, you make all the hard work during the holidays bearable!

Design Manager Holly also had the idea to treat us to some sweets today and stopped into a brand new cupcake company near her home in Columbus to bring us these beauties. I haven't had one yet but the hubby said the chocolate/peanut butter one was delish.

Yes, we are in the flower biz and the designers have been busy refilling the coolers as the shop has been a revolving door today of folks stopping in for Centerpieces and Floral Gifts. We are sufficiently sugared so the energy level at the shop is "high".

We'd love for you stop in if you are in our area. Today is $5 Friday at both shops (Princeton Forrestal Village and 45 E. Afton Ave, Yardley) and the special is 10 Dutch Tulips for only Five Bucks. Merry Christmas and hope to see you soon - oh and we just might share some of our sweets with you if you ask nicely. :o)

Ice Cream Cone Flowers

2011-12-21T09:38:00.001-05:00

"Hi, I need a floral sympathy piece shaped like an Ice Cream Cone to send to a woman who used to own an Ice Cream Store, can you do that"? Yes we can! How cute is this arrangement that Designer Norman made for a recent viewing. Funerals are no laughing matter but how sweet (not pun intended) was it for someone to remember this woman by having this created. Not only is it thoughtful to come up with the idea of sending these particular flowers but the card read "She made the best ice cream in town". I'd imagine her family will remember this tribute for many years to come. Our designers always take pride in what they do but you can imagine that pieces like this are the ones that really make us proud. Great job Designer Norman!! To see this and other samples of our sympathy designs, visit our website at www.sendingsmiles.com or our facebook back at www.facebook.com/localflorist