Floral Occasions & Holidays

Children and their grandparents have a special bond unlike any other. After all, who else are you going to turn to when mom and dad say no? But in addition to being the ones who take your side and sneak you extra cookies, grandparents offer unconditional and unwavering love and support. In honor of National Grandparents Day on September 8th, 2019, it’s time to flip the script and start spoiling them!

The History of National Grandparents Day

It wasn’t until 1978 that President Jimmy Carter proclaimed the first Sunday after Labor Day to be National Grandparents Day. Though President Carter officiated the day, it was Marian Lucille Herndon McQuade, a West Virginia native, who truly began and popularized National Grandparents Day. And it’s clear to see why — together with her husband, she had 15 children, 43 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild before passing in 2001.

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Let’s face it — any day that it’s your birthday is a great day. After all, what more could you want in a day than presents, cake, and good friends? But those of you lucky enough to have been born in August enjoy a few extra perks that some of us will never know. From the beautiful weather to the freedom that summer brings, here are just a few reasons why August birthdays are wonderful.

You’re one of the youngest of your friends.

When you had to wait an excruciating six months to turn 21 after all of your friends, your August birthday seemed like a curse. But once your friends started turning 30, you realized that an August birthday is basically a blessing. Continue Reading…

Graduation ceremonies are coming up quick, and if you’re attending one to celebrate someone’s accomplishments, giving a gift to a graduate, or throwing a graduation party, one thing you must definitely know about is flowers. Just like you would carefully consider the type of flowers used in a wedding or other formal event, it’s important to take the time and really think about what kind of floral arrangement, as well as what type of flower, is most appropriate for this occasion.

To make things easier for you, we’ve put together a complete guide to graduation flowers below so that you can rest assured knowing the decisions you make are the right ones. Continue Reading…

When you really think about it, what don’t moms do? Since the day you were born, she’s loved and supported you – not to mention, she probably cooked, cleaned, had a job, and drove you to all those extra curricular activities. Even when you might not have realized it (those teenage years, anyone?), your mom always had your best interest at heart. That’s why each year, we spend one day honoring all that our mothers have done for us. And if part of the celebration includes getting your mom a little something special, it should be a carnation – the official flower of Mother’s Day. Below is a brief history about just how carnations became the symbol for motherhood.

The History of Mother’s Day

It’s believed the first celebrations honoring mothers were in Ancient Greece, when Romans held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. But it wasn’t until Europe in the early 1800s that we saw the first semblance of modern Mother’s Day. At the time, families in the UK and England celebrated “Mothering Sunday.” A day celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, it encouraged people to travel back to their “mother church” – the first church they ever attended in their hometown – for a special service. Over the years, Mothering Sunday transitioned into a more secular holiday, known as Mother’s Day, and was celebrated by kids giving their mothers flowers and other small gifts.

Who Was Anna Jarvis?

Anna Jarvis is considered the founder of Mother’s Day here in America. The story goes that after her mother, whom she was very close with, passed away, Anna vowed to create a day dedicated to honoring mothers both alive and deceased. Continue Reading…

April may be known for its showers, but those born in the fourth month make up for the seasonal downpour with their radiant personalities. So when their special day surfaces, show the birthday boy or girl just how much they shine with a thoughtful and impressive gift idea they’ll love. Here are some fun facts about April birthdays, including information about the April birth month and flower to give you a bit of inspiration for choosing the perfect gift.

April Birthday Fun Facts

April Birth Stone: Diamond

With the brightest rays of sunshine peeking through the still-bare foliage of April, it comes as no surprise that the April birth stone is none other than the long sought-after diamond. The stone’s name is derived from the Greek word “adamus”, meaning invincible; a fitting name for one of the hardest substances found in the world. While diamonds are most commonly colorless, they can be found in shades from yellow to pink to blue, depending on the impurities of the rock.

Historically, diamonds have been used to aid in strength – from spiritual strength to physical and emotional. During ancient times, people even believed that diamonds were either tears of the gods or made of lightning bolts! Some of the earliest recorded history of the diamond dates back to around 300 BC in India, where it was valued for its reflective properties and used in talismans to ward off evil. During the Middle Ages, people would not only sleep with diamonds to strengthen their health, but would even go as far as to ingest diamonds to cure illnesses!

Shine on, you April diamond!
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The best April Fool’s Day pranks are the ones that make everyone laugh — even the prankee. With this day of mischief and trickery right around the corner, now is the time to solidify yourself as the prankster of your office, family, or friend group (or all three!).

1. The Squirting Flower

No joke is more timeless than the good old squirting flower prank. All you need to pull off this classic “got-ya” joke is an artificial flower, a coffee straw that matches the color of your flower’s center, a small squirt bottle, and a medicine dropper. Throughout the day, ask people for a hug or to read something that’s printed on your shirt. When the time is right, discretely squeeze the bottle sitting in the pocket of your shirt or taped to your chest, and enjoy a good laugh! Continue Reading…

Just as the last icicles of winter are melting away, the month of March comes into play, tearing down the last of remnants of the winter season and replacing it with the seedlings of spring.

The beauty of this landscape makes for the perfect background for a celebration of life and birth! Read up on March birthday fun facts and history and make this year extra special with the perfect March birthday gift.

March Birthday Fun Facts

March Birthstone: Aquamarine

Like the month itself, the March birthstone is a mixture of two opposing forces – calmly cool yet wildly bright like its name’s meaning, “water of the sea” suggests. Found in varying shades of blue, this hypnotizing stone has been a subject of awe and mysticism for centuries. Both the Romans and the Greeks believed wearing the aquamarine would help ensure a sailor’s safety across the restless seas. Additionally, they believed this stone would help protect soldiers and give them in upper hand in combat.

During the Middle Ages, the aquamarine was believed to have magical properties, such as the ability to rekindle the flame in a couple’s relationship. It became a popular material for crystal balls, which was used for fortune telling and mystical rituals such as weather manipulation.

Although a majority of the world’s aquamarine supply comes from Brazil, this stone can also be found in the Middle East, Mexico, Africa, Russia and parts of the United States.

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