Tara Carlson, Author at 1800Flowers Petal Talk

Valentine’s Date Ideas for All Weather

With Valentine’s Day being in February and with weather being unpredictable, sometimes it is tough to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day date. Whether you just met the person of your dreams, have been dating for a while, or are married with children, these fun date ideas are perfect in the rain, snow, or on a sunny day. So, if you’re looking for something different from dinner and a movie, here are some ways to make an ordinary date, extraordinary whether you have just a few hours after work, or the whole weekend.

Valentines date ideas with a man and woman having dinner outside on a balcony.

Spend a Day at the Spa

Sometimes all the planning, dinner reservations and outfit changes are more stressful than fun. Instead of a typical night out, spend the day in at a spa. Relax in the steam room or get a massage and facial all at your own pace. And who knows, maybe you’ll pick up a tip or two from the masseuse that you can try on your loved one at home later.

Relive (or Rewrite) the Past

Recreate your first date together by going back to where it was held. If you want to really get into it, try to find the same clothes you wore too. Talk about what was going through your head at the time and if you’re feeling really daring – first impressions of one another. If it wasn’t exactly the date of your dreams, spend the time planning your ideal date together and make it happen.

Last Minute Date Ideas

Has February 14th snuck up on you once again? You don’t need hundreds of dollars and weeks of planning to make the day special. All you need is a little imagination and the person you love beside you to make the day memorable. Here are a few last minute ideas that are sure to set the mood.

Valentines date ideas with a man and woman cooking in a kitchen and drinking wine.

Cook for her/him

Do you come home to a beautifully cooked meal every night? If so, give your loved one the night off and grab an apron! Go online and look up the recipe for your loved one’s favorite meal. Even if it doesn’t come out perfect, they’ll love the time and effort you put into making the night special. And don’t forget to set the mood with some candles and flowers!

Late night reservations

Most reservations are made for 8pm, so if you two are a couple of night owls, think about grabbing late night drinks around 10pm.

Stroll on the beach

It might be February, but grab a sweater and take to the sea! A stroll along the beach at sunset is not only romantic, but it’s free! If your area allows it, drive your car up on the sand and have a picnic on the beach while still staying warm.

Visit an art gallery

New York City is host to some of the most famous galleries in the world, so take advantage of them. But if you can’t get to Manhattan, there are still plenty of small, local galleries and museums you could explore.

Breakfast in bed

Valentine’s Day falls on a Tuesday this year – not exactly the most exciting day of the week for a night out. Turn the tables and celebrate earlier in the day. Wake up an hour or so before you normally do and enjoy a relaxing breakfast in bed together.

Get Bit by the Travel Bug

Even if you live together and spend the night together all the time, it always feels more romantic when you’re in a different place. Pack a bag (or two) and head to your favorite resort or hotel for a few nights. Nothing relieves stress better than turndown service, a nice dinner and hopefully a hot tub. But if you’re spur of the moment travelers, take a minute to learn the ‘do’s and dont’s’ of last minute travel.

Valentines date ideas with a man giving a piggy back ride to a woman who is kissing his cheek.

Do go charter

Flights go up the closer you get to the departure date, so if you’re traveling last minute look up deals on charter flights and you’ll see major savings – especially to sunny destinations.

Don’t leave on Saturday

Tuesday – Tuesday vacation anyone? Flying midweek can save you hundreds on plane tickets. Not to mention, the airports are usually less crowded.

Do take a gamble with secret hotel deals

Type in the area you are looking to stay in, preferred star rating and price and you’ll be randomly placed into an unbooked hotel room. You won’t know what hotel you are staying in until the transaction is complete, but the price will be worth the risk. You can find these deals on Priceline Negotiator.

Don’t be picky

If you’re looking to travel last minute and on a budget, don’t have your heart set on one location or room. If you go with the attitude of “I just want to get away somewhere sunny!” you won’t be disappointed.

When to Buy Flowers for Valentine’s Day

Did you promise after a rather hectic Christmas season that you would be more proactive in the new year? If so, you’re not alone. One of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is to get more organized. So, with another major holiday coming up, it’s time to make good on that resolution!

Don’t stress this Valentine’s

This year, don’t be the person running around town looking for an open florist on the afternoon of Feb. 14. Instead, be the person who ordered his flowers days in advance and is now ready to sit back and relax with their loved one on Valentine’s.

Here are seven reasons why choosing your Valentine’s flowers early can transform gift-giving into a seamless and stress-free experience.

1. Ensure the flowers you want are in stock

About 250 million roses are produced each year for Valentine’s alone. Taking into account other types of flowers, that means nearly 300 million flowers will be sent this Valentine’s. So, it should come as no surprise that if you wait until the big day to order flowers, your first choice will likely be sold out.

2. You’ll miss the holiday rush

Spending hours waiting on long lines for flowers probably doesn’t fit into most people’s schedules. When you buy flowers for Valentine’s Day early, you miss the hustle and bustle of crowded flower shops. Or, skip the crowds completely by ordering your flowers online.

3. Ensure your flowers get there in time

Don’t let unpredictable February weather derail your flower delivery. Remember: No matter the occasion, it’s always better to deliver gifts a day early than a day late.

4. Lower prices

It’s simple supply and demand: Because millions of people want to buy flowers for their loved ones on Valentine’s, many local florists will hike up their prices. But here at 1-800-Flowers.com, we want everyone to have the Valentine’s of their dreams, which is why we have a new Valentines deal every day!

5. Show your loved one how on top of things you are

No one wants to hear that their significant other was scrambling at the last minute to get them a gift. Make your loved one fall in love with you all over again by proving to them you’re responsible, proactive, and organized.

6. Prolong the holiday

Valentine’s Day may fall on Feb. 14, but there’s no reason why you can’t celebrate your love long before and after that day. Send flowers (especially buds) early so that you can enjoy them for days leading up to the big day.

7. You’ll have time to relax and enjoy the holiday

Valentine’s is about spending time with the one you love and showing them you care. Truly enjoy this special day by ordering your gift and planning your date well in advance. When Feb. 14, rolls around you’ll wake up ready to enjoy the day, not plan it.

While we here at 1-800-Flowers.com always suggest ordering your flowers ASAP, we know that that’s sometimes easier said than done, which is why we offer same-day delivery.

Can You Bring Outdoor Plants Inside to Survive the Winter?

Old Man Winter may soon show his icy face, but that doesn’t mean you have to put your green thumb to rest for several months. While not all outdoor plants will survive being transplanted and cared for indoors, many will!

bringing plants inside for winter with holly plant

While certain plants require more specialized instructions, this general guide will teach you how to move plants inside for the winter.

3 things to do before moving plants indoors

Unfortunately, moving plants indoors is not as simple as just picking them up and bringing them indoors. Moving plants indoors to a drastically different environment than they’re used to can result in them going into shock. That’s why it’s important to take certain precautions to protect both your beloved plants and home.

1. Get rid of any bugs

It’s important to clear any bugs off your plants’ leaves, especially if they’ve been sitting outside all summer. Aphids, mealybugs, and spider mites are some of the most common kinds of bugs that attach themselves to plants, so keep an eye out for those in particular. You should also check the soil, as there can be bugs hiding there as well.

2. Prune it

Pruning certain plants not only keeps them from dropping leaves on your floor but keeps your plant healthy — which it needs to be to survive a sudden change to its environment.

3. Repot it

When bringing a plant indoors, repot it in a container that’s roughly 2 inches larger than the one it was in previously. You should also make sure to repot it several weeks before you’re going to bring your plant in. This will ease its transition.

6 things to do while your plants are inside

If you’ve made it to this stage, congrats! The hardest part is over. Now all you have to do is keep your plants thriving. Here are six ways to help you do that.

1. Place them where they’ll thrive

While your rose plant may look beautiful catty cornered in your living room, that may not be the best place for it health-wise. Just like when you planted them outside, it’s important to think about your plant’s sun, shade, and water needs.

2. Gradually adjust the temperature

Most houseplants (and humans, for that matter) don’t like to live in temperatures lower than 45 degrees. That said, they also don’t like sweltering hot conditions. If you keep your house on the warmer side, lower the temperature when you first bring plants in and gradually raise the temperature by a couple of degrees every few days. Plants that are in full sun should be slowly moved to a more shady area so they get used to the eventual change indoors.

3. Move them inside at night

You can also acclimate plants to your home by bringing them inside at night. This will help them gradually get used to the changes in air quality, temperature, and humidity levels.

4. Water them less often

Because these plants won’t be sitting in the hot sun, they won’t need to be watered as often. A good rule of thumb is to water houseplants only when their soil is dry to the touch. You should also have a saucer under them to protect your floor and let you know once a plant has been adequately watered.

5. Give them indirect sunlight

We all know plants love light, but too much of a good thing can be harmful. Impurities in glass magnify the sun’s rays and can burn a plant’s leaves. For that reason, never leave a plant near a window.

6. Accept what can’t be moved

Some have to go dormant for the winter in order to maintain their health and, thus, cannot be brought inside. Rose bushes, hydrangeas, and lilies are just a few plants that should be left out in the elements.

4 Thanksgiving Vegetables That Come From Flowering Plants

Have you ever eaten a flower? Before you quickly respond with a puzzled “No,” take a minute to think about what a flower is. While roses, daisies, and orchids may come to mind when someone says “flower,” there are many more species than that.

Because “vegetable” is a culinary term and not exactly a scientific one, there are many things we consider to be vegetables but are, in fact, flowers.

As you prepare your Thanksgiving table for a beautiful feast, think about adding these vegetables that double as flowers.

Artichokes

Leaving your vegetable patch unattended for more than a few days is usually a recipe for disaster — unless you’re talking about artichokes, that is. When left unpicked, artichokes open up to expose a beautiful purple, string-like flower. Beyond their beauty, they also make a wonderful Thanksgiving appetizer or side dish.

Broccoli

While broccoli may have a large flowering head, you won’t find it in a bouquet any time soon. Though broccoli didn’t become popular in the United States until the 1920s, it has been enjoyed by people as a leafy side dish since the 6th century B.C.

Cauliflower

Descending from wild cabbage, cauliflower closely resembles broccoli in appearance and taste. Similar to artichokes, cauliflower will also flower if not harvested in time. Known as “bolting,” cauliflower will begin to grow small yellow flowers on long stalks.

Squash blossoms

Perhaps the vegetable that most resembles a flower is the squash blossom. This tasty flower grows alongside squash plants and is usually bright yellow and orange.

Grow your own Thanksgiving meal

Before you head to the grocery store in search of these vegetables (or should we say flowers) for Thanksgiving, consider growing them in your own backyard. Not only will they be fresh and pesticide-free, but they can also help lower the cost of your Thanksgiving dinner.

Just remember to add these vegetables to your garden in the late summer so that they’re ready in time for turkey day!

The History of the Lei

Using only the stars to guide their canoes, early Polynesian voyagers who settled in Hawaii were some of the first people to create and wear leis. Little did they know that hundreds of years later, the tradition of wearing and giving leis would be stronger than ever!

A Brief History of the Lei

Initially, the first Polynesian settlers on Hawaii wore leis in order to make themselves more beautiful, distinguish certain groups from others, and as a sign of affection. When someone from another town would visit, presenting them with a lei was a way of symbolically welcoming them as a part of the group.

The Maile lei is one of the most significant leis in Hawaiian culture. Among its many uses, the Maile lei was most commonly used when worshiping the gods or given from one chief to another as a symbol of peace in times of war. For that reason, maile remains one of the most popular lei materials still used today.

Creating Your Own

Not only is it acceptable to create your own lei, but it’s encouraged! From simple to ornate designs, there’s no wrong way to make a lei.

Traditional Lei Materials

Flowers, like plumerias, tuberose, carnations, orchids, and ferns
Leaves
Vines
Seeds
Seashells
Feathers

Lei Customs

Because leis are all about celebrating life and expressing individual personalities and style, there are very few rules regarding how and when they should be worn. Whether a more serious occasion, like a funeral, a joyous one, like a birthday, or for no reason at all, it’s almost always acceptable to wear a lei!

That being said, there is one important rule surrounding leis — you should never refuse a lei. Because leis are often given from one person to another, its a sign of endearment and affection. You could almost think of it like rejecting a gift or card from someone.

Lei or Leis?

While we here in the continental U.S. often call a group of these decorative neckpieces “leis,” the Hawaiian language doesn’t often distinguish between singular and plural, so a group of leis would actually be called a group of lei. But for the sake of confusion, many people today use both lei and leis.

The History Behind Your Favorite Wedding Traditions

From hundred-year-old superstitions to family customs your grandmother insists on continuing, perhaps no day is more wrapped in tradition than your wedding day. And while many of us recognize what these traditions are, few are aware of how they came about or what they mean.

Whether you’re tying the knot this year, know someone who is, or are just interested in learning more about wedding culture, come with us as we dive into some of our favorite wedding traditions and their significance.

Bride and Groom Wedding — Wedding concept

Flower girl

If one person is going to take attention away from the bride, it’s the adorable flower girl. She’s responsible for throwing flower petals on the ground as she walks down the aisle before the bride, but how did this tradition get started? It was believed that this was a symbolic way of leading the bride from childhood to adult and motherhood. It’s for this reason that the flower girl is also usually dressed in white and similarly to the bride.

Throwing rose petals

While rose petals certainly add color and beauty to the aisle, they actually serve a more important purpose. Rose petals, which are traditionally red, represent fertility, and because they’re thrown by the flower girl, they are also a symbol of the transition the bride is making from an innocent girl to a woman and, soon, mother.

Corsages

Corsages and their male counterpart, boutonnieres, have a long history in wedding ceremonies. In addition to acting as a beautiful accessory, corsages and boutonnieres were also believed to drive away evil spirits that may attack the bride on her big day.

The wedding cake

Besides being what many wedding guests look forward to most (aside from the “I do’s,” of course!), wedding cakes are incredibly symbolic. In ancient Rome, grooms crumbled a piece of cake over the bride’s head as a good-luck gesture. The idea behind this tradition is that, no matter what the future holds, you will serve your significant other and always be willing to help keep them happy and healthy.

Carrying a bouquet…

Since flowers often symbolize fertility, they are found in many wedding traditions. Many people believe that, in addition to warding off evil spirits, pollinated flowers lead to a fertile marriage.

wedding traditions with bride holding her pink wedding bouquet

…and then tossing it

Once the bride is married and can now have children, it’s time to pass that good luck on to someone she loves. That is where the idea that whoever catches the bouquet is next in line for marriage.

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue

This saying refers to the four things a bride is supposed to have on her wedding day. While now viewed as a way to include a loved one’s possessions into your ceremony, this ritual was once taken a bit more seriously. The initial idea behind these four trinkets was: Something old would help you always remember and appreciate your past, something new represented optimism for the future, something borrowed symbolized borrowed happiness, and blue was synonymous with purity (before that became the domain of the color white).

7 Tropical Flowers You Can Grow at Home

Many people have a love-hate relationship with tropical flowers. While these plants possess unique beauty and attractive colors, they’re also known to be hard to grow. So, we’re here to set the record straight. Once you try growing these flowers yourself, you’ll realize that “tropical” is not a synonym for “difficult.”

Defining “tropical plants”

Don’t let the word “tropical” scare you. In most cases, a tropical plant simply needs a good amount of water and a warm environment in which to grow. If you have a sunroom or ledge that receives a lot of warmth, you’re well on your way to nurturing a tropical flower.

Best tropical flowers to grow in North America

Anthurium

Looking like a cross between a poinsettia and an orchid, anthurium plants add an instant pop of color to any room. More than that, they’re a great conversation starter.

Bird of paradise

With a name like that, how can you not be enticed to grow one of these in your garden? When you consider its name and bright orange and purple coloring, it’s easy to see why the bird of paradise is one of the most popular tropical plants.

Cordyline

Looking to make a statement? Look no further (probably because you can’t see through its brush) than the cordyline. Native to Hawaii, cordyline presents almost like a neon pink palm tree.

African violet

Producing single, semi-double, and double flowers in a variety of colors, African violet could be mistaken for a cross between a rose and a carnation. With its ruffled and fringed petals, this plant makes a beautiful addition to quaint, country homes.

Peace lily

Though a bit more difficult to grow in the winter than some other plants on this list, these beauties will reward your hard work once they are in full bloom.

Orchid

As one of the most sturdy tropical plants, orchids can survive in a number of drastically different environments — the reason why they’re one of the most popular tropical plants in the world! From woodlands to deserts and even rainforests, nothing can stop an orchid from showing its colors.

Monkey plant

While it just might be the most difficult plant to grow on our list, this one is also the most incredible. This appropriately named flower quite literally looks like it has a monkey’s face in it. Needless to say, people go bananas over it.

10 Flowers & Plants that Repel Bugs

Nothing ruins a sunny summer day spent out on your porch like the constant buzzing of bees or bite of a mosquito. But before you assume your garden is the problem, consider the possibility that it might actually be the solution — you just have to know what types of plants and flowers that repel bugs to grow in it.

5 flowers that repel bugs

1. Lavender

While we humans love the relaxing scent of lavender, bugs don’t care for it. In fact, they try their best to avoid it at all costs! If you’re looking to deter moths, fleas, flies, and mosquitoes from entering your home, try planting bushels of lavender at entryways around your house.

2. Chrysanthemums

flowers that repel bugs with chrysanthemums

If hard shell bugs are a problem by you, add chrysanthemums to your garden. These colorful little flowers repel everything from roaches to Japanese beetles, and bed bugs to spider mites and ticks.

3. Marigolds

If you have a fruit or vegetable garden in your yard, marigolds are a necessity. Not only do small bugs like gnats and mosquitoes not like them, but they even repel rabbits that can destroy your garden. Marigolds also pair beautifully with roses because they have been known to enhance the latter’s growth.

4. Petunias

Another great flower to have in your vegetable garden are petunias. Known for warding off tomato hornworms, asparagus beetles, leafhoppers, and squash bugs, petunias are a pesticide-free way to protect your garden from unwanted pests.

5. Nasturtium

Not only does the chemical nasturtium produces provide protection from creepy crawlers, but it also protects many of the plants near it. For the best results, plant these flowers in early spring so they’re fully grown and ready to work by the time summer (and bugs) arrive.

5 plants that deter bugs

Basil: The oil in basil leaves kills mosquito eggs.
Mint: Similar to lavender, many insects don’t like the smell of mint.
Lemongrass: Naturally produces citronella, an oil commonly found in mosquito-repelling candles and waxes.
Rosemary: Rosemary will protect vegetable gardens, in particular, from an infestation.
Mugwort: It may not have the prettiest sounding name, but it’s one of the best fly-repelling plants on the market.

Plants that attract mosquitoes

When summer hits, the one bug most people are affected by are mosquitoes. Because mosquitoes are attracted to water, flowers like water lilies, water hyacinths, taro, and papyrus are a few that you’ll want to refrain from planting.

Patriotic Flowers to Decorate Your Home With

With Independence Day right around the corner, most of us have one thing on our mind — patriotic decorations. Perhaps no historical day is more beloved among Americans than the Fourth of July. And for that reason, it’s no surprise that people go out of their way to cover their homes in all things red, white, and blue!

This holiday, show your love for your country with the help of these patriotic flowers.

Red, white, and blue arrangements

Celebrate America all day (and night) long by making this colorful arrangement the focal point of your gathering. Talk about an American dream!

patriotic flowers with patriotic dog bouquet

Patriotic pups

With Yankee Doodle Doggie™ at your party, things are sure to get dandy. After all, what better way to celebrate the dog days of summer than with a patriotic party pooch of your very own!?

Roses

While it may seem like roses are the official flower of Valentine’s Day, they’re actually the official flower of the United States. It was President Ronald Reagan who declared roses the national flower emblem in 1986. The White House Rose Garden is also home to many diplomatic meetings and bill signings.

Dazzling wreaths

Show your pride to everyone who passes your home with the help of a red, white, and beautiful wreath. Particularly perfect for the upcoming holiday, it features an American flag-inspired bow.

Not feeling the traditional red, white, and blue decorations this year? Break away from the pack by incorporating patriotic flowers that hold a special place in American history into your decor.

Jasmine

Aside from the President himself, greenery was a major theme for President Barack Obama’s official portrait, which was unveiled in February 2018. Present among the green leaves were several flowers, one of which was white jasmine. The artist, Kehinde Wiley, said white jasmine was included to represent Obama’s Hawaiian birthplace. Chrysanthemums can also be found growing in the background. They were included to symbolize Chicago, the city Obama grew up in before becoming senator of Illinois.

Poppies

Poppies, which have come to symbolize American lives lost to war, are often worn by Americans on patriotic holidays. This practice was inspired by the 1915 poem “In Flanders Fields,” in which the writer, John McCrae, describes the sea of poppies that could be seen as fallen soldiers were being buried.

Peonies

White pe o nies were a favorite among several first ladies, including Jackie Kennedy and Nancy Reagan. If it were up to Nancy Reagan, white peonies would have been used in arrangements around the White House and for political gatherings far more. Rumor has it that her chief floral designer had to tell her on several occasions that peonies couldn’t be used for events taking place in the summer, fall, and winter because they only bloom in spring.

Carnations

As the flower behind the historic “Flower Power” image, carnations became a universal symbol of peace and love after a photographer captured Vietnam War protesters sticking carnations into the barrel of a soldier’s rifle.