July 2009

Don’t Forget Savvy Auntie’s Day – July 26th!

Isn’t it funny how things come your way at just the right time? I was introduced to Savvy Auntie’s Day a few weeks ago and the first person I thought of was my oldest daughter Meggie. She has always been savvy in my book and she is about to become an aunt for the first time in four weeks by way of my younger daughter Casey. I know that Meggie is going to take her new role very seriously and she will definitely appreciate having SavvyAuntie.com to go to share ideas, find answers, and get inspiration. She’s throwing a baby shower for Casey next week and I’m going to surprise her with a gift that I found on the site – the Savvy Auntie tank top. She’s going to love it!

Savvy Auntie-To-Be, The Original Savvy Auntie (me), and the Mommy-To-Be on a pirate cruise recently in Clearwater, FL.

I personally have set the “Savvy Auntie” bar pretty high – if I do say so myself! I have always cherished my role as an aunt to my 12 nieces and nephews. And I know that the feelings are mutual. They even have a song that they sing about me called “My Aunt Julie – She’s so Special To Me”. OK, so I made the song up, but they do sing it!! I’m creative and crazy and they appreciate that.

I collect (and use) vintage handbags. A couple of my nephews in particular have picked up on this and get a kick out of seeing what purse I’m going to show up with at the next family function. If they saw this image of a floral design I created recently using a1950’s “bakelite” evening bag as a vessel to hold fresh pink roses I know that they would immediately recognize it as one of my creations! Sharing my passions and interests with all of my nieces and nephews has always been something that I have appreciated and enjoyed tremendously. Learning about their interests and passions as well, allows you to get to know each one as an individual. Knowing each one individually also helps when it comes to gift-giving time. A “Savvy Auntie” always gives the BEST gifts!

I’m excited to for the first ever Savvy Auntie’s Day coming up on Sunday, July 26th. Another reason why I love Savvy Auntie’s Day is because its official symbol is a bright, red flower – a sign of warmth and love. In honor of the inaugural holiday, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM has dedicated its Elegant Wishes bouquet as the official “Savvy Auntie’s Day” arrangement.

Dedicate Sunday, July 26th to celebrating “Aunt-hood” and all the special ways your Aunt has affected your life!

The Perfect Margarita!

Margaritas and summer just seem to go hand in hand. Some prefer them straight up and others go for the frozen concoction! Well 1-800 FLOWERS.COM has a version that is neither and yet will still be the hit of any summer celebration. They have a super sized version that is perfect as a centerpiece and a smaller size that is great for an individual place setting. The smaller size can even make a fabulous take home party favor. Here are a few images of these terrific floral cocktails from the 1-800 FLOWERS.COM Happy Hour Collection that might also provide some inspiration for you to make your own floral cocktail decorations. Just let your imagination flow – no pun intended!

And just in case you need it, here is a recipe for a standard margarita. I like this one with an added shot of Grand Marnier!!

1 ½ oz tequila
½ oz triple sec
1 oz lime juice

Rub the rim of a cocktail glass with lime juice, and dip in salt. Shake all ingredients with ice, strain into the glass, and serve.

Enjoy!

MLB Bouquets!

Let’s Go Mets!!

Or Yankees, or Marlins, or whoever your home team might be! It’s easy to honor your favorite team with a few simple flower arrangements using branded items in unexpected ways. If you’re having a few friends over to watch the game, set the mood with these team color coordinated bouquets and everyone will feel good – win or lose!

For these Mets themed arrangements, I used blue delphinium in a Mets galvanized bucket and orange gerbera daisies in commemorative Shea Stadium beer bottles that I got at a game last year. Of course, the only reason I bought the beer was for the commemorative bottle – a girl’s got to do, what a girl’s got to do!

Koozie can holders, also make great little vases. Just line them with a short beverage glass or a vegetable or soup can to hold the water.

K.I.S.S. Centerpieces

Did you ever hear the expression “Keep It Simple Stupid”? Well I prefer to say “Keep It Simple Silly”, but that’s beside the point. I created these centerpieces using one (yes, that’s right, only one) gerbera daisy and a couple of tea lights! Did you ever think that you could actually make a centerpiece using just one flower? Of course, when you use less materials that means you must use more of your imagination. I think it’s the simplicity of these centerpieces that makes them spectacular.

For the first two centerpieces, I used the individual petals of one gerbera daisy to create graphic versions of the real thing. Or if you want, you can take one gerbera and cut the stem off at the base of the flower and put it in a wine glass along with a tea light for a fun individual place setting. Another idea is to use multiples in varying sizes and shapes for a unique tablescape that’s simple and stunning!