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Connections

Staying Busy & Connected, Petal Talk Chats with Norma

May 1, 2020

We were first introduced to Norma Gregorio when she received one of our birthday flower cakes from her family for her 88th birthday. Since they couldn’t be together in person during this time to celebrate, she sent them a video which made it’s way to Good Morning America.

We were so taken by this story, and Norma’s positive outlook on life that we wanted to chat more with her about how she is staying connected during this time. Thank you Norma for taking the time to share your story.

“L’avventura e’ dentro di noi” means “Adventure is within us”


“I’m often asked, “Aren’t you lonely living alone? Don’t you get bored? What do you do all day long?” And that’s when I am in a quandary because I have no good answers. I’m never bored. I’m never lonely. I’m always looking forward to tomorrow. Doing or planning something special or something different. Right now, I am looking forward to driving down to the shore in my son’s convertible, on a beautiful day with the top down. Just feeling the sunlight and the warm breeze on my face makes me appreciate the beauty of this world.

I just finished my crochet doily and my flower needle point. Now I’ll have to get myself another pretty needlepoint canvas. I do it because I find it relaxing and rewarding. It is just like life; we all start with a blank canvas and we all create our beautiful lives as the years pass. I also enjoy cooking, doing English and Italian crossword puzzles, reading and writing. I’ve written several books, but no one seem to want to publish them. But that does not stop me, no, I just keep on writing. I just finished writing a new story for a children’s picture book.

flowers needlepoint artwork by norma

Flower Needlepoint by Norma

Now, we have this virus cloud over us all. I do not allow it to enter into my everyday life. Even though I have been self-quarantined since the beginning of March, it will not change the feelings and the love I have for my family and friends nor will it surround me with a sense of fear. I call everybody on Skype and WhatsApp every week, both here and in Italy, and we talk and talk and talk. Conversation is the best medicine; it brings joy to your life and you touch the heart of the person you are talking to.

I know that when this pandemic is over, all humanity will be scarred, some more than others, emotionally, financially or physically.

We are all strong, with our love and hope for one another, we will all be winners.”

Floral Occasions & Holidays

6 Ways to Honor Nurses During National Nurses’ Week

April 29, 2020
Carmie, ER nurse

Carmie, ER nurse

Nurses are incredibly valuable, if not, the bloodlife of the medical industry. They are the first person a patient will encounter and the last one to see when they leave. This year especially, we must recognize and show our appreciation for the healthcare professionals who have cared for us during this current crisis. Kicking off on May 6th, which is National Nurses’ Day, National Nurses’ Week is the perfect opportunity to honor the very people who’ve dedicated their careers towards our well-being.  Continue Reading…

Mother's Day

Mother’s Day Fun Facts 2020

April 28, 2020
Mother's Day Fun Facts Featured Image

Mother's Day Fun Facts Featured Image

Although Mother’s Day only became an official U.S holiday in 1914, the celebrations of motherhood can be traced all the way back to the ancient times. In more recent centuries, we’ve seen Mother’s Day observed more religiously, with traditions centered around the church on what was known as “Mothering Sunday.” Over time, these traditions have shifted more secular to what we are familiar with today. As we continue to celebrate our mothers with flowers, cards and other tokens of appreciation, here are some fun floral facts about Mother’s Day you and your mom can read up on this upcoming holiday.

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Mother's Day

Craft Ideas Mom Will Love This Mother’s Day

April 28, 2020
Coloring flowers

Make this Mother’s Day extra special by getting Mom in touch with her creative side. Crafting with Mom — whether in person or virtually — is a great way to “spend time together.” Whether you’re able to spend Mother’s Day with her, or if social distancing (or actual distance) is keeping you apart, we’ve come up with helpful ideas to make this Mother’s Day just as special with craft ideas she’ll love. From DIY kits to artistic projects, these crafty gifts will inspire her imagination and have her feeling relaxed and adored.

Coloring flowers

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Mother's Day

Mother’s Day Wine Tasting

April 28, 2020

A Unique Mother’s Day Activity to Wow Mom

Spring is here and Mother’s Day is right around the corner. Have you started to think about how you can show mom just how much you love her and how special she is? Hosting a Mother’s Day wine tasting is a fun way to spend time with mom for you to enjoy the holiday together!

The planning and preparation can be as much fun as the event itself! Getting together with a few of your and moms friends to plan a Mother Daughter Wine Tasting party, makes for a great girls day and for a guaranteed good time. In addition to the mother/daughter ideas, a Mother’s Day wine tasting for the whole family (21 and older of course!), can be equally as fun!

mom-cheese-fruit-wine-hedge
A rustic, natural Napa Valley-inspired wine tasting can make for the perfect setting to incorporate so many of the most popular trends: burlap, chalkboard, mason jars, monograms and Made in America.

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Connectivity

Moms Matter Even More This Year

April 27, 2020
Jim with Mom for Mom's Matter Most This Year

You may have heard of our long-running program, “Mothers Who Matter Most”. This year, the campaign has evolved into “Moms Matter Even More This Year”. Why? Because this Mother’s Day will be different. Whether working remotely, serving on the front lines against the virus, or taking care of their grandchildren at home, moms are being called upon to do more than ever right now. You may not be able to be with the important mothers in your life and celebrate in person, but that doesn’t change the enormous role mothers play in the lives of our families and communities.

“Mothers Who Matter Most” began some thirty years ago when we received a heartwarming request. A peculiar envelope, printed in block letters, was sent to our Bayside, Queens, NY office with $16 and a note from a young man who wrote that while he’d certainly made mistakes in his life, his mother had always stood by him. With Mother’s Day approaching, he wanted to know if we could do something special for her. We, of course, sent her a beautiful gift and he was forever grateful. The letter moved all of us and inspired us to ask customers to share with us stories of the incredible mothers in their lives.

Jim & Chris with Mom

At one point, we were contacted by a producer from Leeza, an earlier version of today’s Ellen. This woman told us how touched she was by the stories. We ended up collaborating on a campaign where one of five finalists was featured each day the week leading to Mother’s Day, and several celebrity judges, including Jim, picked the winner. Every year, we look forward to reading through your entries and hearing about these wonderful women and the lives they touch. Continue Reading…

Floral Occasions & Holidays, Mother's Day

Mother’s Day Quotes For Your Mother’s Day Card

April 26, 2020

Tulip With Mother's Day CardThere may still be a few weeks left before Mother’s Day arrives, but it’s never too early to start planning what you’ll say in your Mother’s Day card! In addition to letting mom know how much we love and appreciate her, one of our favorite things to do is bring out the Hallmark in us and insert a quote or two! Check out a few of our favorites below:

“All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That’s his.” – Oscar Wilde

“A mother’s arms are more comforting than anyone else’s.” – Princess Diana

“Mom, when thoughts of you are in our hearts, we are never far from home.” – Anonymous

“A mother is the one who fills your heart in the first place.” – Amy Tan

"A mother is the one who fills your heart in the first place" - Amy Tan

“Behind all your stories is always your mother’s story, because hers is where yours begins.”
– Mitch Albom

“No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.” - Sarah Josepha Hale

“No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.” – Sarah Josepha Hale

“No influence is so powerful as that of the mother.” - Sarah Josepha Hale

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