Rebecca Razo, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

Take Valentine’s Day to the Next Level: 14 Days of Gifts

Valentine’s Day. Who doesn’t look forward to the prospect of a heartfelt love letter scribbled on a pink-and-red paper heart? Add to that pastel-colored candy, chocolate truffles, and flowers, and Feb. 14 may well be the most festive day of the year.

But why stop at a day? What the world needs now is love, sweet love, and plenty of it. So, if you’re like us, you’ll agree that it’s time to rewrite the rules of this festive occasion. If Christmas can have 12 days, it stands to reason that Valentine’s Day can — and should — have 14 days of romance dedicated to its commemoration.

Before we completely reinvent this holiday, though, let’s talk about why it’s necessary.

valentines day gifts with couple embracing

Love in the modern age

Our world is a loud, noisy place, and one that’s filled with many distractions. The pace of modern life can cause couples to feel untethered in their relationships and experience a sense of complacency. Relationship expert and TikTok influencer Eros Miranda stresses the importance of making connections to help us deal with these feelings. “How can we use this holiday to come closer together?” Miranda poses. He suggests learning more about our partner’s needs.

“Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity to learn our love language,” Miranda says. “Maybe they want a partner who is closer to them more often. Maybe they want a partner that, whenever they are feeling anxious, can give them a little extra help.

“This is a growth opportunity,” Miranda continues. “Learn about each other’s love language, see how they want to love, and look at the holiday as an opportunity to see how you want to be loved.”

And what better way to reignite that love than with a new tradition involving 14 days of Valentine’s Day gift ideas.

14 days of romance

You can approach this novel idea in many ways; what’s most important is you make it personal to your particular circumstances. Here are some ideas.

Give a Valentine’s Day gift to your significant other every day from Feb. 1 to Feb. 14. Is that not true love or what?
Spread the love around and give one gift each to 14 special people in your life. Recipients could be a love interest or anyone who means a lot to you, including a parent, child, grandparent, best friend, and work colleague.
Flying solo this year? That’s OK! Few loves are as important as the love of self — so go ahead and treat yourself to 14 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that revolve around self-care.

Most of all, embrace the idea that gift giving is as important to your emotional wellbeing and happiness as it is to the recipients of your kindness and generosity.

Here are 14 Valentine’s Day gift ideas to get you started on your new two-week-long tradition of romance.

1. Timeless and traditional

For the classic romantic, you can never go wrong with roses. Red roses are always welcome, but you’ll win bonus points if the bouquet of Valentine’s Day flowers is in your intended’s favorite color.

valentines day gift ideas Tearoom Scones Sampler

2. Breakfast in bed

Treat your special person like British royalty with a breakfast of yummy scones they can enjoy from the comfort of their bed. Don’t forget the bloody marys!

valentines day gift ideas Norman Love Black Single Origin Dark Chocolates

3. Chocolat s’il vous plait

If your sweetheart loves chocolate, you’ll find no shortage of options during the month of February. Champagne truffles, chocolate with nuts and caramel, rich dark chocolate, a signature chocolate collection in a heart-shaped box…don’t you just love the tastes of Valentine’s Day?

valentine's day gift ideas with Chocolate-covered strawberries for Valentine's Day

4. Decadent strawberries

“Pretty Woman” paved the way for romantics around the world to woo their love interests with a chic strawberries-and-champagne combo. But if champagne (or sparkling wine) doesn’t fit the mark, we can also suggest the tried-and-true pairing of strawberries and chocolate.

valentines day gift ideas Valentines Day Truffle Cake Pops

5. Baked with love

Homemade baked goods are an especially nice way to express affection. From donut bouquets and truffle cake pops to cookies, your significant other will appreciate the thought and effort you put into the gift.

valentine's day gift ideas with tea gift basket

6. Make their morning

If your sweetheart loves tea, it simply doesn’t get better than the gift of gourmet blends. Add a personalized mug, and they’ll enjoy their cuppa even more.

7. Charcuterie for your cutie

Gift a beautiful charcuterie board overflowing with fine meats, cheeses, nuts, and fruits. Don’t forget to include the wine.

valentines day gift ideas Wrapped Around the Heart Earring

8. Handmade from the heart

Who doesn’t love a handmade treasure? From a paper Valentine to a piece of jewelry, handcrafted cards and one-of-a-kind treasures are sure to capture the heart of your beloved.

valentine's day gift ideas with Movie Nite popcorn tin

9. Misty-eyed movie night

Gift your mate a night of binge-watching their favorite romcoms — just make sure to bring the tissues and popcorn.

valentines day gift ideas Filet Mignon Dinner for Two

10. Romantic dinner in

Nothing fosters connection quite like a delicious meal enjoyed in the comfort of your own home. Break out the china and fancy flutes, then dim the lights and enjoy a filet mignon dinner for two. What makes it even better is you didn’t have to turn on the stove. Hooray for meal delivery!

valentine's day gift ideas with Valentine's Day gift heart necklace

11. Baubles, bangles, and beads

Give your honey a bit of shine and sparkle that they will cherish for years to come. It need not be extravagant — it only must come from the heart.

valentines day gift ideas True Love Gift Basket

12. Fun for foodies

Is gifting food ever a bad idea? We think not. Send your favorite foodie something unique and special that you know they’ll enjoy — be it meats and cheeses or caviar.

valentines day gift ideas Conversation Heart Personalized Heart Throw Pillow

13. Extend the love

A hug and 14 handwritten IOU coupons that they can exchange for special treats during February, including a dinner out, foot rub, heart-shaped pillow, or weekend getaway.

valentine's day gift ideas with personalized teddy bear

14. Warm and fuzzy

Finally, don’t forget the littlest valentines in your life! Teddy bears and other plush cuties are the perfect way to send your sweet ones off to sleep with a smile.

Top 12 Trending Christmas Flowers & Wreaths

The holidays, with all their cocoa and cookies and sparkly lights, are upon us once again. And with them comes a chance for people to reconnect over time-cherished traditions and experience the joy of decking the halls with their favorite heirlooms and seasonal florals. “Christmas is the peak of home entertaining season,” says Valerie Ghitelman, VP of product development, design & sourcing, consumer florals & gifts, for 1-800-Flowers.com. “Our homes are our sanctuary, and people are enhancing their sanctuary with beautiful flowers and plants.”

Ghitelman says she has seen a change in the types of flowers and wreaths that are trending for Christmas. “People are looking for shorter, more compact arrangements and distinct centerpieces that are meant to create a festive environment.” Flowers and greenery that have a longer vase life, such as carnations, chrysanthemums, cremones, lilies, and roses, are in vogue, as are monochromatic color schemes.

Moreover, a general sense of nostalgia is also influencing foliage choices. “We are seeing a return to classic design and traditional, historical colors,” says Ghitelman, who believes this shift is based on people’s emotional desire to connect to the past.

“The demands of family and work can be challenging, and flowers promote physical and emotional well-being, brighten our homes, and create a sense of beauty in our environment,” Ghitelman says.

With that in mind, here are 12 trending Christmas flowers and wreaths for the 2024 holiday season.

Dashing Through the Snow Sleigh

This adorable tabletop centerpiece consists of fresh red and white blooms, fragrant sprigs of evergreen, and “snow-capped” pinecones, all arranged in a keepsake sleigh container that can be reused for Christmases to come.

Holiday Happiness Bouquet

White roses combined with red berries add a dash of country charm when arranged in a rustic natural wood vase. And if you go with the wicker vase, you get a clear glass insert that can be repurposed as a candle holder for pillar candles and tealights. If gifting this, surprise your special someone with a box of Godiva chocolates, too.

Holiday Lily Bouquet

This gorgeous combination of red and white Asiatic lilies will lift the spirits of anyone who receives it. Together with the red fluted glass swirl vase, this bouquet makes for a stylish addition to a holiday buffet table.

Fields of Europe Christmas

A perennial favorite, the ever-classic Fields of Europe for Christmas bouquet is overflowing with red roses, carnations, lilies, hypericum berries, greenery, and baby’s breath. This seasonal stunner conjures up images of Christmas in a quaint European village.

Candy Cane Christmas Cactus

Another seasonal top-seller, this enduring cactus plant blooms with pretty red and white flowers that are as cheerful looking as a box of candy canes. The festive container only adds to the charm.

Sparkling Holiday Ornament

Red roses, mini carnations, white cushion poms, baby’s breath, and sprigs of green are nestled in a keepsake container and accented with shiny gold ornaments. This sweet treasure of Christmas blooms brightens up any room in the home.

Holiday Flower Tree Musical Merriment

The perfect addition to a mantle, end table, or even office, this flower tree features red and white blooms, greenery, baby’s breath, and miniature gold ornaments, all arranged in a festive drum container inspired by “The Nutcracker.”

Santa’s Merry Christmas Tulips

These beautiful tulips arrive as buds and reach full bloom within three to four days. Add on a Santa Claus ceramic vase, which can be used as a cookie jar and filled with yummy holiday treats.

Winter Splendor Metallic Wreath

This beautifully designed wreath features a base of seasonally authentic faux greenery, metallic-tipped pinecones, and shimmery silver leaves and baubles. A supreme example of sophisticated Christmas design, this wreath’s neutral color palette makes a graceful accent for any home, even after the holidays.

Winter White Poinsettia Plant

This exquisite white poinsettia, with its delicate cream-colored leaves, is the complete embodiment of Christmas. Buy one or several for the ultimate seasonal display, then reuse the containers for your plants throughout the year.

Magnolia Wreath

When it comes to wreaths, Ghitelman says it’s all about the ribbon. “This embellishment defines the wreath’s aesthetic in determining if the wreath is rustic or refined, classic or modern, traditional or trendy,” she says. She also points out that seasonal elements, such as pinecones, balls, faux birds, and even woodland animals, can create an authentic design. This lovely wreath checks all the design boxes with its myriad textures, while a beautifully designed wired bow adds the finishing touch.

Joyful Jewel Wreath with Lights

Featuring jewel-toned ball ornaments on a faux evergreen base, this colorful wreath is pre-lit with white lights to add a burst of festive cheer to any space, large or small. A lovely piece to hang above a mantle, this wreath can also be used as a substitute for a fully adorned tree, if you’re going minimalist this year.

101 Famous Birthday Quotes

Birthdays were made for celebrating, but phrases like “happy birthday,” “best wishes,” and “birthday greetings” are as fresh and exciting as week-old birthday cake. The next time you want to celebrate someone on their birthday, why not send them a handwritten card (or personalized ecard!) with an inspiring, humorous, or uplifting quote from a famous writer, actor, musician, or visionary?

We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of noteworthy quotes on the subject of birthdays, life, and the passage of time that will suit every person on your list — young and old alike.

For a lift

“Go, shorty, it’s your birthday.” — 50 Cent
“To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent — that is to triumph over old age.” — Thomas Bailey Aldrich
“Age is whatever you think it is. You are as old as you think you are.” — Muhammad Ali
“Birthdays are inevitable, beautiful and very particular moments in our lives! Moments that bring precious memories back, celebrate the present times and give hope for the future.” — Babe Arish
“Let us never know what old age is. Let us know the happiness time brings, not count the years.” — Decimus Magnus Ausonius
“They say it’s your birthday / It’s my birthday too, yeah / They say it’s your birthday / We’re gonna have a good time / I’m glad it’s your birthday /Happy birthday to you” — The Beatles, “Birthday”
“You don’t get older, you get better.” — Shirley Bassey
“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be, the last of life, for which the first was made.” — Robert Browning
“We turn not older with years, but newer every day.” — Emily Dickinson
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.” — George Eliot
“Every birthday is a gift. Every day is a gift.” — Aretha Franklin
“Today is the oldest you have been and the youngest you will ever be again. Make the most of it!” — Nicky Gumbel
“Every year on your birthday you get to start anew.” — Sammy Hagar
“In other words, live vicariously, beautifully, and excitedly, discover, love, dare, and act as there is nothing to lose.” — Andy Hertz
“The way I see it, you should live everyday like it’s your birthday.” — Paris Hilton

birthday quotes with lighting candles on birthday cake

“Whatever with the past has gone, the best is always yet to come.” — Lucy Larcom
“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.” — Dalai Lama
“Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you!” — Dr. Seuss
“My life is better with every year of living it.” — Rachel Maddow
“Please don’t retouch my wrinkles. It took me so long to earn them.” — Anna Magnani
“Love the life you live. Live the life you love.” — Bob Marley
“Don’t just count your years, make your years count.” — George Meredith
“Keep smiling, because life is a beautiful thing and there’s so much to smile about.” — Marilyn Monroe
“A birthday is not a day to fear. It is a day to celebrate and look forward to the coming year.” — Byron Pulsifer
“Birthdays come but once a year, celebrate and be of good cheer.” — Robert Rivers
“Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year: The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again.”— Menachem Mendel Schneerson
“With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.” — William Shakespeare
“Your birthday is the beginning of your own personal new year. Your first birthday was a beginning, and each new birthday is a chance to begin again, to start over, to take a new grip on life.” — Wilfred Peterson
“Do your dance, it’s your birthday.” — Usher
“Love the giver more than the gift.” — Brigham Young

For a laugh

“Let them eat cake.” — Marie Antoinette
“The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly, and lie about your age.” — Lucille Ball
“I like birthday cake. It’s so symbolic. It’s a tempting symbol to load with something more complicated than just ‘Happy birthday!’ because it’s this emblem of childhood and a happy day.” — Aimee Bender
“A friend never defends a husband who gets his wife an electric skillet for her birthday.” — Erma Bombeck
“Nice to be here? At my age, it’s nice to be anywhere.” — George Burns
“At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.” — Benjamin Franklin
“A diplomat is a man who always remembers a woman’s birthday but never remembers her age.” — Robert Frost
“Put candles in a cake, it’s a birthday cake. Put candles in a pie, and somebody’s drunk in the kitchen.” — Jim Gaffigan
“All the world is birthday cake, so take a piece, but not too much.” — George Harrison
“Age is not important unless you are a cheese.” — Helen Hayes

birthday quotes with girl holding flower cake

“Old age is fifteen years older than I am.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Middle age is when your age starts to show around your middle.” — Bob Hope
“When it comes to birthdays, I think there are two camps. There are people like me, who choose to treat it like any other day, and then there are the ‘birthday people.’ You know, those people who claim the full month in which they were born as their own. — Dan Levy
“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.” — Larry Lorenzoni
“The reason I met my husband was because I remembered a friend’s birthday. The moral of the story is: Remember people’s birthdays.” — Julianna Margulies
“Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.” — Groucho Marx
“The first hundred years are the hardest.” — Wilson Mizner
“When the candles on your cake burn down before they are all lit, you know you are getting up there.” — Catherine Pulsifer
“Middle age is when you still believe you’ll feel better in the morning. — Bob Hope
“Eventually you reach a point when you stop lying about your age and start bragging about it.” — Will Rogers

“You know you’re getting old when you get that one candle on the cake. It’s like, ‘See if you can blow this out.'” — Jerry Seinfeld
“Just remember, once you’re over the hill you begin to pick up speed.” — Charles Schulz
“Let us respect gray hairs, especially our own.” — J. P. Sears
“The good thing about getting older is if you don’t want to do something you can say, I’m too old to do that!” — Kate Summers
“You know you’re getting old when the candles cost more than the cake.” — Bob Hope
“Birthdays are a great time to stop and appreciate gravity. Sure, it makes things sag as you get older, but it also keeps your cake from flying all over the room, so you don’t have to chase it.” — Greg Tamblyn
“The older you get the better you get, unless you are a banana.” — Betty White
“The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.” — Oscar Wilde
“As you get older, three things happen: The first is your memory goes, and I can’t remember the other two.” — Norman Wisdom

Picture of vertical animated birthday ad

For inspiration

“Live not one’s life as though one had a thousand years, but live each day as the last.” — Marcus Aurelius
“There are two great days in a person’s life — the day we are born and the day we discover why.” — William Barclay
“The years teach much which the days never knew.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
“You were born and with you endless possibilities, very few ever to be realized. It’s okay. Life was never about what you could do, but what you would do.” — Richelle E. Goodrich
“Live the full life of the mind, exhilarated by new ideas, intoxicated by the romance of the unusual.” — Ernest Hemingway
“Men do not quit playing because they grow old; they grow old because they quit playing.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes
“Life is ours to be spent, not to be saved.” — D. H. Lawrence
“The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” — Madeleine L’Engle
“And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln
“Today you have added another candle of knowledge and wisdom to your life. May it give you the power to enlighten the whole world.” — Debasish Mridha

“It takes a long time to become young.” — Pablo Picasso
“Old age: A great sense of calm and freedom. When the passions have relaxed their hold, you may have escaped, not from one master but from many.” — Plato
“Our birthdays are feathers in the broad wings of time.” — Jean Paul Richter
“To know how to grow old is the masterwork of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.” — Tom Stoppard
“No wise man ever wished to be younger.” — Jonathan Swift
“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So, throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover!” — Mark Twain
“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” — Voltaire
“Wisdom doesn’t necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.” — Tom Wilson
“From our birthday, until we die, / Is but the winking of an eye.” — William Butler Yeats

For perspective

“I realized it was only me who was stopping myself from living my life.” — Jennifer Aniston
“Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you’ve got to start young.” — Fred Astaire
“A birthday is just another day where you go to work, and people give you love. Age is just a state of mind, and you are as old as you think you are. You have to count your blessings and be happy.” — Abhishek Bachchan
“We grow neither better nor worse as we get old, but more like ourselves.” — Bernard Baruch
“There are three hundred and sixty-four days when you might get un-birthday presents, and only one for birthday presents, you know.” — Lewis Carroll
“Old age isn’t so bad when you consider the alternative.” — Maurice Chevalier
“Don’t regret another birthday, the good news is that you are alive and can celebrate it.” — Catherine Pulsifer

A birthday ad showing gift ideas for October birthdays.

“If we could be twice young and twice old, we could correct all our mistakes.” — Euripides
“A child whose birthday is coming up is so excited, they count down the days. But as we get older, we seem to lose the excitement. We need to rethink and be happy we have reached another birthday.” — Theodore W. Higginsworth
“Each ten years of a man’s life has its own fortunes, its own hopes, its own desires.” — Goethe
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the result of other people’s thinking.” — Steve Jobs

“Life really does begin at forty. Up until then, you are just doing research.” — Carl Jung
“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” — Helen Keller
“Most of us can remember a time when a birthday — especially one’s own — brightened the world as if a second sun has risen.” — Robert Staughton Lynd
“The best birthdays of all are those that haven’t arrived yet.” — Robert Orben
“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?” — Satchel Paige
“Youth has no age.” — Pablo Picasso
“A birthday is a time to reflect on the year gone by, but to also set your goals for the upcoming year.” — Catherine Pulsifer
“Each day is a new beginning. I know that the only way to live my life is to try to do what is right, to take the long view, to give of my best in all that the day brings, and to put my trust in God.” — Queen Elizabeth II
“May you live all the days of your life.” — Jonathan Swift
“Life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it.” — Charles Swindoll
“Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age.” — Booth Tarkington
“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” — Oprah Winfrey

Flower Painting with Paint Nite: An Artistic Twist on a Fun Evening Out

Photo of a Paint Nite flower painting event

After the past 2 1/2 years, we’re all looking for activities to satisfy our hunger for community and connection. We human beings are, after all, social creatures. And relationships matter.

With pandemic restrictions largely in the rear-view mirror, there’s no shortage of things to do and experience. But get-togethers require planning and coordination. Everyone wants to go someplace interesting and do something fun – the only questions are “what?” and “where?”

Thousands of people have answered those questions by attending Paint Nite ^® workshops, which are “paint and sip” events in which an instructor walks you and your friends through how to create your own work of art. People of all ages and skill levels come together for an evening of fun, drinks, and painting.

From painting to plants, and a whole lot more

Dan Hermann cofounded PaintNite.com in 2012 after taking part in a social painting event. “It took me back to some of that childhood joy — being creative, doing something purely for fun, and being at play with other people,” he says. “I saw a path to bringing this alive for people everywhere.”

Since then, Paint Nite has sold more than 10 million event tickets across the U.S. and Canada. It also launched its sister brand, Yaymaker — now the corporate umbrella for Paint Nite — which offers more than 100 customizable corporate and private events across multiple categories.

Like many businesses, Paint Nite experienced challenges when the world shut down during the pandemic; however, it was agile in its response to the situation. “We pivoted into virtual in just a few weeks,” says Hermann, noting that the company grew its online corporate team-building events during the pandemic. “We made it through and kept people connected.”

Although ticketed virtual and on-demand events are still available, the company is refocusing its efforts on in-person creative experiences that include its signature Paint Nite, as well as Plant Nite, Create a Ukulele, chunky blanket making, and much more. “We’re excited to reconnect in person,” Hermann says.

From pandemic emerges partnership

Paint Nite and 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. are collaborating on organizing in-person events.

“We want to foster community among our customers and introduce them to our products in a tangible way through experiences,” says Chris McCann, CEO of 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc.

When the pandemic hit, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., had just partnered with Alice’s Table (now part of the 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc. family of brands) to facilitate in-person floral-arranging events. Like Paint Nite, Alice’s Table was forced to pivot to a virtual model quickly and continues to successfully deliver virtual and on-demand events to customers nationwide.

“Paint Nite’s in-person offerings are a great complement to the wide array of virtual and on-demand offerings popular with our customers through Alice’s Table,” McCann says.

“We share similar values and philosophies,” Hermann says. “1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., looks at celebrations and giving; it occupies peoples’ lives, where they are spreading joy and connection. 1-800-FLOWERS.COM, Inc., is such a successful company with so much reach and experience. For us, it’s very attractive to partner with an organization that has such a large and engaged community.”

Having fun and making memories

Paint Nite attendees routinely praise their experiences as “fun,” “upbeat,” “awesome,” and other such glowing adjectives.

“I strongly recommend going — no matter age or skill level. You will not regret it!” says Dennis Casto of the Paint Nite event that he attended at Jake Rooney’s Restaurant in Harwich Port, Massachusetts. “It was a diverse group, and we all had fun and laughed.”

Amber says of the Paint Nite event she attended with friends at Durty Nellie’s Gastropub in Palatine, Illinois: “We had a great time. The host was helpful and friendly, making it easy for a beginner.”

For other Paint Nite enthusiasts, such as Leeyan from Tillsonburg, Ontario, these events hold deeper meaning, serving as vehicles for creating lasting memories. “I have terminal cancer. When my best friend asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her that all I wanted was more time — time to spend with my loved ones, time to make memories, time to laugh. That year she gave me our first Paint Nite experience. It was just what I wanted and needed.”

Recently, Leeyan went to a paint-pouring experience held by Paint Nite with her friend.

“Even though our efforts may not result in great works of art, we have always had fun, which is why we have become repeat customers,” she says.

A win-win experience

Attendees aren’t the only people who benefit from Paint Nite events. All experiences are run by local host artists, known as event owners. Event owners get to organize and run their own events, and they also benefit monetarily through Paint Nite’s revenue-share program.

Tammy Tavarone-Bishop, the owner of Makers Craft Events, has been hosting live Paint Nites on Long Island and in New Jersey since 2015.

“Being a part of the Paint Nite family is the best place to build a business as a freelance artist,” Tavarone-Bishop says. “It’s a win for everyone involved: a win for the artist, the customer, and the venue!”

Why Hobbies Are Important

Leisure time and hobbies have been part of American life since the Industrial Revolution, when laborers — frustrated with 12- to 16-hour workdays and having to work six days a week — pushed for more reasonable schedules. When the workweek was reduced to 40 hours, people began filling their downtime with fun things to do, and health and well-being became topics of greater focus.

From learning a new skill to creating something handmade, the benefits of hobbies for stress relief can be, in some cases, a literal lifesaver.

Anne Landa

Publisher

The Quarto Group

Fast-forward to today, and overworked employees are still struggling with work-life balance — only now, factory workers have been replaced with busy professionals, who have had to push hobbies to the bottom of their priorities list. The pandemic, however, shifted the collective thinking to the importance of present-moment living and personal enjoyment. Hobbies came back into fashion as a way to practice self-care while keeping us tethered to the outside world.

Breanna Vargas, a bartender and artist in Phoenix, discovered rock painting just before the pandemic. “I collected a few rocks during a hike, painted them, and discovered I may have a knack for this,” she says. “When we went on lockdown, I decided to test the waters.”

Inspired by The Kindness Rocks Project on Instagram, Vargas used her skills to spread a little anonymous joy. “I started painting rocks and leaving them around my apartment complex.” She eventually moved on to making pet portraits for fun, which turned into a side gig. “I was commissioned by a few friends, but I really found that painting was a peaceful outlet for me.”

Hobbies are a bridge to health, connection, and community

As the world returns to normal, our hobbies are now helping us rebuild our connections to one another.

Anne Landa, group publisher with The Quarto Group, a global book publisher specializing in illustrated nonfiction books, understands the transformative impact hobbies can have on our social lives. “The importance of hobbies cannot be overstated, particularly in my specialized area of art and craft,” Landa says. “From learning a new skill to creating something handmade, the benefits of hobbies for stress relief can be, in some cases, a literal lifesaver — especially when they encourage us to create or build connections with others. Knitting circles, community garden projects, art classes — these types of activities allow us to enjoy our hobbies while engaging with like-minded people.”

Yaymaker cofounder and operating chairman Dan Hermann agrees. “Doing something social opens up a lot of pathways to having fun, distracting you from your phone, and trying to be more present with people,” he says.

Calling all artists: It’s your turn to shine

Are you creative with passion and inspiration to share? Then PaintNite.com and 1-800-Flowers.com have an exciting opportunity for you. We want to see your original flower paintings, and the public will pick their favorite.

Submissions are being accepted through Oct. 20, and voting will take place from Oct. 21-24. The winner will be announced on Oct. 25.

Enter contest

A way to self-improvement

Whether we spend a few minutes a day or several hours per week on our leisure activities, Amanda Craig, Ph.D., LMFT, founder of Manhattan Marriage and Family Therapy in New York City and author of the forthcoming book Who Are You & What Have You Done with My Kid?, believes hobbies “should be a mandatory part of our lifestyle.” Our participation in both group and individual hobbies, Dr. Craig says, “releases a variety of chemical messengers in the brain that leads to better mental wellness.”

She notes that participating in an activity we enjoy also goes a long way toward improving our general outlook on ourselves. “When we engage in hobbies, we feel alive, creative, confident, and happy. We also feel more in touch with ourselves, which builds confidence and self-worth.”

Meet your next favorite pastime

Ready to take on a new hobby but don’t know where to start? Dr. Craig suggests looking inward: “It may be something that has been nudging you for a while but you have pushed to the side,” she says, adding that hobbies don’t have to be elaborate to be beneficial. “It could be movement, like stretching, walking, yoga, weights, or other physical activity. It could be spending time in nature simply enjoying the smells, sights, and sounds. The ideas are endless. Sit for a moment and see what speaks to you.”

Whether you join a book club, volunteer with children or the elderly, or start a local theater group, there are dozens of activities that help build greater social connections. Here are a few more to consider:

Learn a musical instrument

Take up a new instrument, or dust off an old one and get back to playing. Once you feel confident in your abilities, attend a local open mic night and let it all hang out. Better yet, get your old garage band back together!

“My 13-year-old daughter, Angie, discovered what she wants to do with the rest of her life. During the pandemic, she was gifted a guitar that she plays every single day. She writes songs and sings. I’m so grateful for it.” – Kristine S., New York

Feed your culinary cravings

Whether authentic Mexican fare suits your palate or you have a keenness for ramen, you surely can find an outlet for your gastronomic passion. Share your talents with friends and family by hosting a fancy dinner party.

“I learned Moroccan cooking. This hobby introduced me to new words, customs, and flavors. The first time I served it to guests in my home, everybody loved it, so it’s even improved my social life!” – Andrea B., Los Angeles

Baking & decorating cookies

Break out the bowls, spoons, and pastry tubes filled with icing! Baking and decorating cookies is a fun hobby for family members of all ages to do together. Cheryl’s Cookies makes it easy to get started, thanks to its cookie doughs and expanded its DIY dessert kit offerings.

Baking Cheryl’s cookies at home, allows customers to interact with familiar products in new ways, says senior director, merchandising for Cheryl’s.

“It’s that same gourmet experience. The difference is that we’re allowing people to use their own personal touch in what they make,” she says. “They can make their own designs, decorate them how they want, and even make cookie cakes if they choose.”

Get out and move

Outdoor activities are not only good for the body but the soul as well. Take up tennis, join a softball team, or organize a long-distance hiking trip.

Create beautiful bouquets

Do you love flowers and think you have an eye for mixing colors and textures? Then attend an online floral-arranging workshop and learn to arrange fresh flowers like a pro. You’ll pick up new techniques while spending quality time with friends (or just yourself).

Design a charcuterie board

Attend an award-winning workshop that will show you how to make an attractive arrangement of meats, cheeses, and other foods on a board, and then host a wine and cheese party.

Make a masterpiece

If you’ve always wanted to tap into your artistic side but don’t know where to start, a “paint and sip” class might be just what you’re looking for. PaintNite.com offers in-person, virtual, and on-demand events that bring people together for an evening of creativity and connection.

“Paintnite.com events are mini escapes for the soul! They fill the artist’s passion and creates a fun activity for the local communities to enjoy a night out with friends or family.” – Tammy Tavarone-Bishop, Long Island, New York

Try a little this and that

Don’t limit yourself to just one hobby. Experiment with a variety of activities that bring you joy and enrich your life while bringing you into contact with a social network.

“During the last year and a bit, I have taken up adult ballet and tap dancing, and have weekly French lessons. I love it! I’m finally doing something for myself again, and it feels good.”– Donna W., United Kingdom

Sunflower Facts: 11 Things You Didn’t Know About This Iconic Bloom

sunflower facts with man giving sunflowers to girlfriend

The sunflower is one of the most interesting and unique flowers on earth, one that has delighted and inspired humans for millennia. A cousin of the daisy, the sunflower is a member of the Aster (Asteraceae), or Composite (Compositae), plant family, a group of more than 32,000 formally recognized species with more than 1,900 genera, or types.

The common sunflower is most often recognized by its large head, fuzzy stalk, vibrant yellow petals, and large, round dark center; however, there are more than 70 varieties that come in all colors, shapes, and sizes. The American Giant, for example, can grow as high as 14 to 16 feet tall, whereas the cute, pouf-like Teddy Bear Dwarf maxes out at 3 feet in height. The plant’s color palettes include myriad shades of red, purple, orange, and brown. Additionally, a single sunflower can produce up to 2,000 seeds — talk about an extended family!

Dig deeper into this remarkable flower with these 11 sunflower facts.

1. World travelers

The sunflower was originally discovered, and subsequently grown, around 4500 B.C. by indigenous tribes in North America. It was used for food and medicinal purposes by its cultivators, who extracted its seeds and petals to make flour and meal, oil, paint, and dye, and to treat maladies including chest paints, rheumatism, and sunstroke. They also used the stalks as a building material.

When European explorers arrived in the New World in the 1500s, they were so captivated by the sunflower that they harvested thousands of its seeds and exported them back to their home continent. Rather than use the flowers for practical purposes, however, the Europeans of that time employed sunflowers primarily for decorative and ornamental means.

The sunflower grew in popularity and demand over the next 300 years continued to make its way across Europe and into Russia. By the early 19^th century, the benefits of sunflower oil became more widely recognized, particularly in Russia, where nearly 2 million acres of farmland were dedicated to growing sunflowers for seed extraction.

2. Coming full circle

By the late 1800s, Russian immigrants began arriving en masse on North American shores, bringing with them a new, larger variety of sunflower from their homeland. Dubbed the “Mammoth Russian,” this colossal flower — rich in protein and nutrients — became a staple with U.S. farmers. The hardy stalks were burned for fuel, while the seeds were ground and mixed into animal feed. This renewed demand for sunflowers increased cultivation in the U.S., and by the 1920s, the flower had become a commodity.

3. The Sunflower State

During the North American sunflower boon, the flower grew wildly and abundantly in Kansas. While most appreciated its beauty and utility, the state legislature passed a law in 1895 declaring the sunflower a “noxious weed” to be eliminated. Nevertheless, its popularity persisted, and in 1903, Senator George P. Morehouse drafted a bill designating the sunflower the state’s official bloom. The bill was signed into law March 12, 1903, and Kansas thereafter became known as the Sunflower State.

sunflower facts with woman standing in sunflower field during sunset

4. What’s in a name?

Officially known as the helianthus annuus, the sunflower derived its name from the Greek root words helia, meaning “sun,” and anthos, meaning “flower.” While it may boast sun-like characteristics in its appearance, the sunflower was not actually named for the sun. Sunflowers are heliotropic, meaning they track with the movement of the sun from east to west before returning to an eastward-facing position after sunset. This phenomenon occurs only in young buds. Once the plant has flowered and is plentiful in seeds, it assumes a fixed position facing east.

sunflower facts with closeup of a sunflower

5. A sum of its parts

At first glance, this cheerful golden-hued bloom appears to consist of hundreds of silky petals surrounding a dense, coarse center. But the sunflower is, in fact, made up of thousands of tiny individual flowers. That dark center consists of disk florets: little flowers, each consisting of five tiny dark petals folded into an oblong-shaped tube. Its colorful “petals,” meanwhile, aren’t really petals at all. They are known as ray florets: more tiny flowers that compose the vibrant outer ring.

6. Good day, sunshine

As heliotropic flowers that call to mind the sun, sunflowers signify loyalty, devotion, and admiration, as well as warmth and happiness. In some Asian cultures, sunflowers also are believed to bring good fortune and foster healing.

7. Reverence and respect

The sunflower was a significant symbol in ancient Aztec and Inca culture. It has been said that both civilizations worshipped sunflowers as sun gods; moreover, images of sunflowers were depicted on the shields of warriors, a sign that the flower was also a sign of war and military might.

8. Family drama

The sunflower has ties to Greek mythology, in the story of Apollo, god of the sun, and Clytie, his love. In this myth, Apollo is captivated by the beauty of Clytie’s sister, Leucothoe, but the sisters’ father, the king, forbids the union. When Clytie learns of a secret meeting between Apollo and Leucothoe, she succumbs to a fit of jealousy and reveals the rendezvous to the king. Outraged, the king has Leucothoe buried alive. A heartbroken Apollo refuses to forgive Clytie, who subsequently starts to wither in grief. In an act of final revenge for her cruelty, Apollo turns Clytie into a sunflower.

sunflower facts with sunflower painting by vincent van gogh

9. Art of the sunflower

Known as the “painter of sunflowers,” post-impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh selected this subject as his muse at a time when his contemporaries were painting more traditional floral still lifes in less vibrant palettes. He completed dozens of sunflower paintings and was thrilled to discover that his friend, mentor, and fellow artist, Paul Gauguin, also admired them greatly. Upon learning of Gauguin’s intent to visit his artist colony, van Gogh painted several more sunflower still lifes and hung them in Gauguin’s guest room. When Gauguin saw the paintings, he remarked that they were “completely Vincent.”

10. Good things happen in threes

Sunflowers are the traditional celebratory flower of the third wedding anniversary. The sunflower head relies on its sturdy stalk to provide a supportive foundation for growth —a metaphor that represents the strong bonds of marriage.

11. World’s tallest sunflower

No article about sunflowers would be complete without revealing the world record holder for the tallest specimen on earth! That distinction goes to Hans-Peter Schiffer of Karst, Germany, who, in August 2014, needed to call in the support of the local fire department to scaffold his plant so that its height could be accurately recorded. The result was a whopping 30 feet, 1 inch. Schiffer also holds the three previous world records for tallest sunflower, those coming in 2009 (26 feet, 4 inches), 2012 (27 feet), and 2013 (28 feet, 8 inches). Talk about a green thumb!

The Ultimate Guide to 30th Birthday Gifts

The series “Birthdays Reimagined” provides tips to help you make your loved one’s birthday wishes come true. In this article, we provide 30th birthday gift ideas for this milestone event.

Most milestone birthdays are fun and fueled by excitement. Few are as significant, however, as turning the big 3-0 — the biggest milestone since the fabled 21st birthday. With the honoree (theoretically) having accumulated years of adult responsibility, the gifts you buy for a newly turned 30-year-old should reflect the momentousness of the occasion.

An experiential gift is always a wonderful idea. This can be a thought-provoking gift, a gift that is personal, or a gift that keeps on giving.

Valerie Ghitelman

Vice president of product development, sourcing, and design

1-800-Flowers.com

Thirty is often viewed as a transformational stage in life, the age at which people officially arrive at adulthood. The part of a 30-year-old’s brain where decision-making and critical thinking happen is now fully developed. “It helps us cope with complex ideas and big emotions, and we see this play out in our values and life choices,” says Amanda Craig, Ph.D., licensed therapist, and founder of Manhattan Marriage and Family Therapy. And big emotions call for thoughtful gifts.

Certainly, photo albums, flowers, and birthday cakes never get old when celebrating a milestone. But to make your soon-to-be tricenarian feel extra appreciated, consider other thoughtful gifts, including “gifts that encourage relaxation and provide wellness opportunities,” says Valerie Ghitelman, vice president of product development, sourcing, and design for 1-800-Flowers.com. Affirmation journals, calming candles, body products, and gift cards for a therapeutic massage, facial, or spa day are ideal for encouraging self-care — a necessity when it comes to managing thirtysomething life responsibilities.

For those who prefer doing things, experience-driven gifts, such as an excursion to a favorite museum or concert, help facilitate connection and keep relationships strong. Says Ghitelman, “An experiential gift is always a wonderful idea. This can be a thought-provoking gift, a gift that is personal, or a gift that keeps on giving.”

Explore our curated selects of 30th birthday gifts designed to suit all types and tastes.

12 best 30th birthday gift ideas

The classicist

Flowers

For those with traditional tastes, birthday flowers are a classic gift that will always be met with joy. (Tip: Send the delivery to their office. Coworkers will witness their happy reaction and more people will know about the birthday girl’s day.) Flowers are also a safe bet for the person who is a challenge to shop for.

The do-gooder

th birthday gift ideas Smile Farms Birthday Party in a Box

Cookies & treats

For the goodhearted humanitarian, send the Smile Farms Birthday Party in a Box. This festive gift includes a variety of yummy cookies and confections, as well as a mini birthday cake with candles. Twenty percent of the net proceeds from this purchase supports Smile Farms, which provides employment opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities.

The golfer

Golf club cover

For the golf enthusiast, the Monogram Personalized Golf Club Cover will add style to the most basic set of clubs. This durable quality club cover features a zipper closure and fits up to a 460cc driver. Personalize it with a name or monogram with a choice of thread color.

The mixologist

Smoked cocktail set

For the mixologist, snap up this Personalized Smoked Cocktail Set, which comes with a glass smoking stand, a custom-etched glass infuser carafe, a silicone stopper, and 20 smoking pellets. Then say cheers to 30 years!

The tea drinker

Tea infuser set

For the tea drinker, the Organic Numi Tea Infuser Bottle Gift Set makes for a truly thoughtful gift. This package includes a glass infusion bottle and six tea bags each of four different flavors of tea: Breakfast Blend Black, Aged Earl Grey, Moroccan Mint, and Jasmine Green.

The worrywart

LED glass keepsake

For individuals worried about turning 30, give something illuminating, literally, with a personalized message written on a LED light strip. Your thoughtful message is a wonderful way to help your loved one stay optimistic and positive during this transitional time.

The optimist

Money tree

For the optimist, no gift could be better than a Money Tree bonsai plant, which is believed to bring luck and prosperity to its recipient. It also looks pretty snazzy in any setting. Bonus: It’s easy to care for!

The history buff

Birthday history canvas

For the history buff, the Day You Were Born Personalized Birthday History Canvas is. a personalized chronicle that features researched historic information from the day and year of birth, including headline news, top songs, movies, sports facts, and, gasp, cost of basic items.

The animal lover

th birthday gift ideas Max Milo Dog Owner Snack Attack Box

Dog & owner snack box

For the dog person, a suite of treats for their beloved fur baby — and themselves! — will most definitely leave a warm and fuzzy impression on their animal-loving heart.

The morning person

th birthday gift ideas Good Morning Breakfast Meal

Breakfast feast

For the morning person, a Good Morning Breakfast Meal timed to arrive a few days before your recipient’s birthday means they’ll be starting their 30s with a fabulous gourmet meal.

This breakfast feast may extend into lunch with its delish selection of cheesy bacon grits, sausage and cheese casserole, maple hickory-smoked bacon, Belgian waffles, English muffins, pear syrup, strawberry preserves, and ground coffee.

The chocoholic

Fondue set

For the chocolate lover, it doesn’t get better than the Max Brenner Fondue Tower Set with Chocolates. Make a point to be present at the gift opening of this tasty tower that comes with a three-tier ceramic fondue tower, two dipping forks, and a variety of milk, dark, and white chocolate melting thins so you can partake in this chocolate feast. There are two forks for a reason.

The health enthusiast

30th birthday gift ideas with Birthday Pears & Apples Gift Set

Fresh fruit

For the health-conscious, the Birthday Pears and Apples Gift is a thoughtful way to send birthday wishes to someone who always eats their apple, or pear, a day. This display of the best picks from the orchard also comes with one signature gold-wrapped pear, fruit’s version of couture.

And don’t forget to include a card that emphasizes their past accomplishments. “We now get to see the fruit of a 30-year-old’s labor from K through 12, college, trade school, entry-level positions, and low-paying jobs,” Craig says. “Happy birthday! You are about to embark on a great stage of adulthood.”

Hate Valentine’s Day? Here’s Why You Should Change Your Heart

Ready to make their heart flutter? Whether you’re looking for romantic gift ideas or tips on how to sweep them off their feet, “Your Trusted Cupid” brings you top-notch advice from relationship experts. Hate Valentine’s Day? Step outside the heart-shaped box and enjoy creative ideas to use the holiday as a way to connect with your loved one.

Every year on Feb. 14, we shower our beloveds with Valentine’s Day flowers, chocolate, gifts, and cards to demonstrate our affection for each other. On paper, it’s a day dedicated in its entirety to love. In reality, Valentine’s Day has had mixed reviews — routinely dismissed by some who feel it’s too commercialized and cliché.

The original meaning of Valentine’s Day isn’t easy to decipher, unlike Easter, Christmas, or other holidays. That said, the birth of Valentine’s Day is rooted in love. And love and romance are enough of a cause to celebrate and connect.

“Valentine’s Day is a way of being intentional about cultivating the time to express how you feel to one another, reigniting and remembering the love that you have for each other,” says Jaime Bronstein, a licensed relationship therapist, coach, and host of the radio program Love Talk Live. “A day of romance is an incredible way for couples to reconnect.”

hate valentine's day with couple embracing

hate valentine's day with roses and food

Remember, it’s about romance

If you find yourself becoming a hate Valentine’s Day naysayer, take a moment to reconsider the inherent purpose of this occasion and how you can make it special in new and creative ways that buck convention.

A day devoted to romance will add excitement to your relationship. Whether it’s buying a gift or planning a new activity, looking forward to the holiday celebration is certainly more fun than opting out.

“Having a designated day on the calendar that is all about intentional connection and celebrating your unique relationship is always a win,” says Stacey Sherrell, a marriage therapist and cofounder of Decoding Couples with therapist Rachel Facio. “Whether that means a night out on the town or activity off the beaten path, it’s about you two. We are huge fans of Valentine’s Day!”

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with purpose

Exploring ways to be romantic and commemorate your love in your holiday planning builds anticipation for the arrival of Feb. 14. You might even use your time designing your day together as an opportunity to commit to a few long-term relationship goals that you and your partner decide on.

“Connecting on Valentine’s Day can truly catapult your relationship and set the standard for the year ahead. I recommend setting intentions on that day for how each person would like to show up for one another for the year ahead (and beyond),” says Bronstein.

Naysayers can now look to Valentine’s Day as more than a night out when they use it as an opportunity to enjoy their partner and have some fun. Here are some additional ideas designed to make this Valentine’s Day your most romantic and purposeful ever.

Break out of your everyday routine

Take a dance lesson, an art workshop, a cooking or flower-arranging class. Whatever you decide, make a point to treat the day as a way to celebrate, which means a departure from your everyday routine. Also, choose a light-hearted event that you can both enjoy as a couple. Who knows? It may become a new favorite activity for both of you to do together.

Create a holiday souvenir together

Make a piece of furniture, take on a DIY home project, or engage in any other activity where cooperation and joint vision are necessary. This bonding experience is unique, fun, and is not dependent on our devices. You can start the activity on Valentine’s Day and give it a deadline for the end of the month.

Add more meaning to the project by making it relevant to your relationship. For example, create a photo album or scrapbook chronicling your romantic history.

Red Rose Calla Lily Bouquet — Red Rose & Calla Lily Bouquet

hate valentines day Red Wine with Chocolate Truffles — Lucca & Sons Cellars Red Wine with Chocolate Truffles

hate valentines day Satin Heart Box with Heart Truffles — Satin Heart Box w/Heart Truffles

Have a romantic dinner for two

Life’s too short to let the fancy china and crystal goblets collect dust! Elevate the setting by adding romantic flowers and candles. Enjoy a quiet dinner with a wonderful bottle of wine, chocolate, and music. If you rather not spend the evening cooking, decide on a menu together and have a delicious meal delivered.

Renew your vows

What could be better on Valentine’s Day than renewing your vows? Make it a formal event with friends and family or create a more intimate moment just between the two of you. A destination event at a cozy candlelit restaurant or mountain resort are other exciting options.

Host a game night potluck

While alone time is great, it can also be fun to share your relationship with a larger group. Invite friends over and revel in a celebration of love and friendship with food and games. Ask everyone to bring a small themed gift for a secret Valentine exchange. After everyone leaves, it will give you an opportunity to reconnect with your Valentine in high spirits.

How to Preserve Your Flowers

From tulips to chrysanthemums, our series “Flower Care” explores everything from fresh flower care tips to flower symbolism and meaning. Wilting blooms don’t have to be a sad occasion, give arrangements a second life with fun and easy-to-do methods to preserve flowers.

Few things are more delightful than a beautiful bouquet of fresh flowers. They’re fragrant, colorful, and bring a smile to everyone’s face — especially when gifted on a memorable occasion like a birthday or holiday. And while the event itself fades into memory, your flowers don’t have to. These simple treatments cherish that special day by preserving the blooms that made it memorable. Once the flowers are preserved, there are myriad ways to enjoy them as keepsakes and objets d’art in home décor; repurpose them in crafts, sachets, potpourri; or use them in herbal teas or oils.

While it’s possible to preserve nearly every type of bloom, some flowers stand the test of time better than others. Baby’s breath, lavender, carnations, hydrangea, and the ever- timeless rose are among the flowers that preserve well. Garden blooms and herbs, including pansies, salvia (sage), larkspurs, yarrow, strawflowers, and ornamental grasses also are ideal for long-term preservation.

Here are the most popular ways to preserve your flowers:

Hang dry

The most popular method to preserve flowers is drying. And if you’re short on time, air drying flowers is as quick and easy as it gets.

1. Just before the flowers start to wilt, remove them from their vase and gently press out any moisture from the stems with a paper towel. Remove dead leaves or petals; then cut the stems, leaving several inches intact, and bunch them together. Secure with a rubber band or floral wire.

2. Hang the bouquet upside down in a cool, dark closet, hallway, or another area away from direct sunlight. Gently coax the blooms downward if they are bent or twisted. Then leave to dry for about three to four weeks.

3. Once dried, use a clear finishing spray (available at most craft stores) or unscented hairspray to set the blooms in place. Conceal the rubber band with a pretty ribbon or twine and display them as you like — popped into a vase, hung on a door, or laid on an end table.

Pressing

The art of pressing flowers by flattening florals in between two hard objects dates to ancient Egypt but is perhaps best associated with the Victorians, who enjoyed pressing blooms as a regular hobby. Pressed flowers are perfect for framing, embellishing wax candles, or using them in crafts. And how fun is it when you open an old book after the passage of time and a delicate little bloom drops from the pages?

1. Separate your flowers so each bloom is isolated. If flowers have been immersed in water, snip off the wet stems and then use a paper towel to gently press out any additional moisture.

2. Place blooms a few inches apart between pieces of parchment paper. Then lay the parchment-protected blooms inside the pages of a heavy book, opened to about the halfway point. Oversized dictionaries and encyclopedias work well for this. Close the book.

3. Add additional weight by placing a few more heavy books on top of the book containing the flowers. Allow several weeks for the flowers to press.

Silica Gel

Silica Gel is available at craft stores and is ideal for when you simply want to dry flower heads as opposed to entire stems.

1. Snip stem from the flower head, leaving about ¼ inch at the base.

2. Fill a microwave-safe container with silica gel, covering the bottom up to 1-2 inches. Place blooms face-up in the gel. Once positioned, gently pour another inch or so of gel over the flowers.

3. Place the uncovered container into the microwave and set it to the lowest heat setting. Microwave for 2 minutes to start; then check the flowers. Continue to microwave for two-to-three minutes at a time until you are satisfied that the flowers are dry.

4. Remove the container from the microwave and cover with a lid or foil, leaving a tiny opening for the flowers to vent. Allow resting undisturbed for at least 24 hours.

5. Lift the blooms from the gel and gently shake or tap them to remove any remaining grains.

For more serious flower preservation, there are additional methods to consider, including soy wax, epoxy resin, glycerin, or professional freeze-drying—which is ideal for protecting extra special flowers like wedding bouquets or bridal-party boutonnieres.

With so many creative ways to preserve flowers, it’s easier than ever to remember and cherish those special moments in your life again and again.