1800Flowers Petal Talk

12 Mexico-inspired Cinco de Mayo Party Ideas

An authentic Mexican family celebrates Cinco de mayo together at a festive table. Mexican food

A Cinco d e Mayo party is a great opportunity to get together with friends and family, celebrate the spring season, and indulge in the delicious flavors of Mexican cuisine. Originally, the fifth of May commemorated a battlefield victory (not Mexico’s independence, as many assume), but the day has evolved in the United States to one that celebrates all the wonderful things that embody the rich culture of Mexico and its people.

You don’t need to create a formal dinner party or do extensive planning to prep for a Cinco de Mayo party. In fact, by taking a more casual, family-style approach with plenty of prepared-ahead dishes, you can focus on enjoying time with guests and celebrating in the moment together.

Here are 12 Cinco de Mayo party ideas to help make your fiesta a rousing success.

1. Set a vibrant table setting

Bright colors bring a festive atmosphere to any home. Consider vibrant tablecloths, table runners, and decorative touches, such as pom pom strings, terra cotta planters, and conversation starters like these green orb planters. Add artisanal touches — just like ones you would buy from an open-air marketplace — with hand-felted pastel zinnia napkin rings that bring the beauty of the season to any dinner table.

2. Branch out with a festive scene

Decorations shouldn’t be limited to just the tabletop. Bunting is always a beautiful addition to any Mexican celebration, particularly multi-colored flags known as papel picado. Bring in royal palms and other large tropical plants to make your space feel like a Mexican getaway.

3. Add some “south of the border” floral inspiration

May is a wonderful time for a casual party, with more sun, warmer weather, and nature blooming all around. Bring the beauty of Mexico’s distinctive environment to the party with plenty of flower arrangements, such as bright Gerbera daisies, hot pink Matsumoto asters and purple dianthus, or vibrant Fuji mums. Arrange flowers around food stations, but also scatter smaller vases in gathering spaces to spread colorful vibes throughout your home.

4. Green up the party with exotic plants

Aloe vera, air plants, and cacti will create the atmosphere of a far-off getaway. Bring in some bursts of tropical color with Dendrobium and Phalaenopsis orchids to make it feel like you’re in a tropical resort like Cancún or Cozumel.

5. Infuse a bit of Mexico into every drink

Whatever is on your drink menu for your Cinco de Mayo festivities, serve it up in style with cactus-shaped stacking glasses and hand-blown margarita confetti bottom rock glasses. Give your finest tequila the royal treatment with a show-stopping presentation…like, say, displaying it in a decanter specifically designed for the Mexican spirit, complete with a vibrant green blown-glass agave plant in the center. It’s sure to draw a few eyeballs — and glasses — to it.

6. Celebrate sangria season

What Cinco de Mayo party would be complete without refreshing drinks? This red sangria kit includes a citrusy sangria drink mix and Harry & David Ross Lane Red blend wine along with crispy Mandarin and pineapple slices for garnishing. A pack of Mocktails Sansgria is perfect for those who prefer to skip the alcohol. It comes with orange peel garnishes and decorative etched wine glasses, which give off an Aztec vibe.

Classic margarita cocktail garnished with salt rim.

7. Serve up seasonal soups

Make spring soup a thing and let guests sample a variety of flavors, from tomato basil bisque and chicken chili to potato corn and zesty tortilla soup. The best part about these mixes is you hardly have to spend any time on prep. Don’t forget garnishes, such as sprigs of cilantro, sliced avocado, cotija cheese, green onions, tortilla strips, and sour cream.

8. Make fiesta fish tacos or tostadas

Fish tacos are a classic Mexican dish and can be made with just a few ingredients: chopped cabbage, minced raw onion, fried or grilled fish (cod or halibut works best), and a spicy mayo for some kick. Use “street taco” small tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro.

9. Set up a scrumptious salsa station

cinco de mayo party ideas grilled fish tostadas

You can probably whip up a taco bar with your eyes closed, but how about a dipping station? Grab a variety of salsas and cheese dips, and present them in a personalized chip and dip bowl. Serve with an assortment of empanadas and ready-made chicken enchiladas verde.

10. Dig into dulce desserts

Tres leches is a classic Latin American cake known for its creamy sweet goodness. If you’d rather not DIY this dessert, you can get it delivered right to your door. And for more daring taste buds, serve up some memorable chocolate-covered jalapeños…yes, you read that right! Your guests will be lining up to take selfies with these one-of-a-kind treats that bring sweet and heat together in a most delicious way.

11. Keep guests entertained with plenty of play

It’s not a Cinco de Mayo party without a piñata. This googly-eyed fellow comes pre-filled with a variety of popular candy; the only problem is, he might be too cute for anyone to want to whack.

After the outdoor fun, invite your group into the kitchen to concoct their own hot sauce varieties with this DIY hot sauce kit. Or, host a salsa dance-off or Mexican-themed trivia game. And for the winner, a prize of a skinny margarita gift set!

12. Gift festive favors

Succulents, many of which originated in Mexico, make a welcome take-home gift. Or consider letting guests grow their own plants with a colorful selection of decorative flower seed pouches.

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Peonies

Peonies are favorite flowers among gardeners. These blooms add beauty to any landscape and have one of the longest lifespans of any flower. They’re also one of the most popular kinds of cut flowers.

For all their positives, though, peonies have one big drawback: They are very seasonal and available for only a few weeks each spring. That limited availability, however, only adds to their allure.

With their exquisite beauty and relative rarity, you might think peonies would be very particular about how they are planted, grown, and cared for — but they aren’t. In fact, caring for peonies is not that different from doing so for most other flowers.

Types of peonies

Peonies come in three varieties. They are:

Herbaceous peonies
Tree peonies
Intersectional peonies

Herbaceous peonies are the most common. These usually bloom in early or mid-summer and die in the winter. The second type, tree peonies, tend to bloom in spring and lose their leaves in the fall. Intersectional peonies are essentially a cross between the two; they die back each winter like herbaceous peonies and sprout large flowers like tree peonies.

The type of peony you plant will determine when your flowers will be in season.

Peony Neon one of the most popular "Japanese"! Inflorescences

How to plant and grow peonies

Since peonies can grow rather tall (sometimes as high as 5 feet!), make sure the spot you choose to plant them is spacious enough. And remember, peonies can come back year after year, so think long term.

Here are three tips to keep in mind before planting peonies.

The planting site you choose should be exposed to sun for at least half the day. The more sun your peony receives, the more flowers it will produce.
When making a spot for your peonies, make sure you dig your hole deep enough and wide enough to accommodate their full growth.
Always make sure your peonies’ eyes — the buds growing from the crown of the plant — are facing up before placing them in the soil. Once they’re buried, cover them with soil and make sure to provide enough water.

Bonus tip: Since peonies can grow to be pretty tall, they may need more support than some other flowers in your garden. So, make sure you have stakes handy as your flowers start to grow to help hold them up, if need be.

When to plant peonies

The best time to plant peonies depends on where you live. These flowers typically grow best in cooler climates and require a cold winter season, to encourage flower growth. In general, plant peonies in the spring as soon as the ground starts to thaw, or in the fall, before the ground freezes over. Just keep in mind that if you plant in the spring, you may have to wait a year or two before you see them really start to bloom.

Peony care

To ensure your peonies thrive after planting, as well as for many years to come, follow the following three tips.

Add a relatively thin layer of compost over your peonies each spring, along with a layer of mulch (approximately 2 inches deep). Doing so can help control the amount of weeds that sprout in your garden and will help retain the moisture surrounding your peonies.
During the first winter, add 4 to 6 inches of mulch to your garden right after the ground freezes to protect the roots of your peonies.
During dry periods, water your peonies weekly. You’ll know that you’ve over-watered if you start to see water pooling around the base of your peonies.

Cut peony care tips

When buying fresh-cut peonies, look for ones that have not yet begun to bloom. Peonies are cut when the flower is still in a ball shape, so you want them just starting to crack open. This will give you the experience of seeing the bloom opening and, with the proper care, enjoying a few additional days of the peonies’ unique charm.

To get the most out of your cut peonies, follow these four important care tips.

Fill your vase about half to three-quarters full with warm water and floral food according to the packet directions.

Bonus tip: When you buy flowers, ask for a few extra packets of flower food so you always have some on hand at home.

Remove all the leaves that would be below the water line in the vase. Leaves that are submerged will rot, thus creating bacteria that can shorten the peonies’ vase life.

Bonus tip: Make sure the vase is extremely clean, and add a splash of bleach to the water — especially if you don’t have any flower food — before arranging the flowers in it to help keep bacteria at bay.

Using a sharp knife or cutting shears, give each peony a fresh cut, on an angle, before placing it in the vase. How much you cut from the bottom of the stem will depend on the size of your vase.

Bonus tip: Most varieties of peonies have large blooms with multiple petals and can become top heavy. Cutting the stems to make sure the flowers are not too tall in the vase will allow the sides of the vase to help support the stems as the peonies start to open.

Change the water and flower food every three to four days and re-cut the stems at least 1 inch each time.

Bonus tip: Peonies are big drinkers, so check the water level daily to see if you need to add more water. And always check before re-cutting the stems too.

Carly Cushnie’s Celebrations Involve Food, Family…and Moving Furniture

Carly Cushnie and her husband, Oscar Cantu, like to celebrate life. Just check out their hashtag #teamoscarly on Instagram, where’ll you see pics of their colorful, Oaxacan-style wedding in Mexico City, complete with a procession of mojigangas, or huge puppets, dancing in the street, and flowering trees on the reception tables.

They bring that festive energy to their home in Brooklyn, too. There, they throw parties with their daughters, Santiago, 4, and Quincy, 3, that involve cooking, decorating, and dancing in the living room under a disco ball. Oh, and amazing tablescapes at their dinners.

In a past life, Cushnie founded and owned her eponymous fashion line (originally called Cushnie et Ochs). It was a hit with stars like Jessica Alba — the first big celebrity to wear it — Rhianna, Jennifer Lopez, Halle Berry, Eva Longoria, and Ashley Graham. Her styles even found their way to the White House, becoming a favorite of the first lady at the time.

These days, Carly’s life is a bit more subdued but no less fulfilling. Here’s how she and Oscar like to roll.

Do you entertain a lot?

We used to throw big parties in the past, but COVID curbed that. But we have dinners here, and drinks parties. And birthdays.

Do you usually have a theme?

We went to Vietnam for our honeymoon and brought back all these Vietnamese lanterns. So, for one party, we lit the garden with them and did a kind of Vietnamese barbecue, and decorated as such. That was a theme, but it’s not always around a theme — usually we base it around food. There’s something my husband wants to cook, and then we decorate around that.

What about celebrating birthdays?

We normally do a family thing all together, dinner and cake and a little dance party at home. I recently had a big birthday, my 40^th, so I celebrated a lot. We had a party with the girls, then an adults-only party. We moved out all the furniture, and I decorated the house with flowers, a disco ball, lights, and LED balloon thingies that created a bit of sparkle. We kept it simple — no theme, just an old-school house party.

Do you go all out for your daughters’ birthdays?

When they turned 3 and 4, it was the biggest party they ever had. They’re a year and a week apart, March 31 and April 8, so we have a party for them together. The weather was kind of iffy, so we moved the furniture and put a little bouncy house inside. It was kind of perfect, actually, a mish-mosh with a beautiful pink princess bouncy house, “Frozen” birthday cake, Mexican food, and drinks for the parents. And we had a piñata outside.

What’s your feeling about birthday gifts?

We give the kids birthday gifts, but my husband and I don’t do gifts. Instead, we do things for each other. We’ll take a trip or have a beautiful meal, or go to a restaurant, or he’ll cook something super, super special. It’s just about being together.

“In springtime, I love to have blossoms. It’s such a happy feeling — it brings joy.”
Carly Cushnie

Do your kids help with the cooking or entertaining?

We try to get them into food as much as we are; it’s something we love. So, for certain parties, we cook and they help make things. For Thanksgiving, I did the décor and desserts, my husband did most of the main dishes with friends, and the kids were all helping prep or roll the dough and cook. They came to the farmers market with me, laid out the table with things from there. We built a tablescape. They’re part of it.

Tell us about your tablescapes.

I do like to play with a table. I love to have fruits and vegetables or beautiful branches; I prefer low things so you can see and talk to everyone. I like to be inspired. Even shopping online for flowers, I like to see what’s new in and of the season.

In springtime, I love to have blossoms. It’s such a happy feeling — it brings joy. My girls just absolutely adore it.

How do you celebrate Mother’s Day?

I like trees and plants. One Mother’s Day, my husband gave me a big tree; it’s in my living room. For some mothers, it’s all about being by themselves — which I totally get — but I just want to be with my kids all day. Oscar will cook with them and make me something like a nice brunch. Or we’ll go to a restaurant if no one’s having a meltdown…it’s touch and go.

What do you and Oscar do to keep the romance going?

For me, it’s more that he goes out of the way to cook something really special or something he’s never made before. Just the other day, I was actually mad at him, so he made me a dukkah; it’s a Mediterranean dish with toasted nuts and different spices and things. He said, “Am I forgiven?” I was like, “Yes. Thank you for my dukkah.”

When Is Passover?

Jewish holiday Passover greeting card with matzo, seder plate, w

Every year, as spring ushers in sunnier, warmer days and fills us with an overall sense of renewal, people everywhere gather to celebrate a most significant and important holiday: Passover.

Like many other holidays, Passover is a celebration of rebirth, freedom, and gratitude. The story of Passover is one of persistence and bravery, and the holiday serves as a time for reflection as well as one when we remember the resiliency and quest for survival of the Jewish people.

Though it is traditionally a Jewish holiday, more than one in five Americans, recent surveys show, recognize and observe Passover in some form, making it an impactful occurrence for even those outside the Jewish faith.

“Passover is such a preeminent holiday religiously because it reminds us of God,” says philosopher and scholar Steven Katz, Ph.D., a professor of Jewish and Holocaust Studies at Boston University. “It marks the history of the world and the history of the Jewish people. When we celebrate Passover, we’re celebrating God’s power and the power of faith and redemption.”

When is Passover this year?

Passover will occur much later on the calendar in 2024 than is typical. The holiday will begin at sundown on April 22 and end eight days later on Tuesday, April 30, also at sundown.

In general, the holiday can take place anytime during the months of March or April. Its ultimate date is determined by the Hebrew calendar, which is based on lunar cycles — and also impacted by 2024 being a Jewish leap year. Passover typically falls on the 15th day of the Hebrew month of Nisan, which is also the first night of a full moon after the spring equinox.

What is the history of Passover?

The epic and harrowing story of Passover (or “Pesach” as it’s referred to in Hebrew) can — and does — fill countless services, speeches, books, and films. Essentially, the holiday is an occasion to commemorate and celebrate the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in ancient Egypt (almost 3,500 years ago), as narrated in the biblical book of Exodus.

Moses leads the Jews through the desert, Moses led his people to the Promised Land through the Sinai desert. Religion Bible, History. Escape.

As the story goes, after centuries of suffering and slavery, God sent a prophet named Moses to demand the Israelites’ release. When Egypt’s pharaoh, King Ramses II, refused, a series of plagues was brought upon Egypt, culminating in the 10th — the “death of the firstborn.” To protect the Israelites, families were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a sacrificed lamb so that the Angel of Death would “pass over” their homes — hence the name of the holiday. Ultimately, the Pharaoh relented, allowing the Israelites to leave Egypt. They hurriedly departed, and this marked the beginning of an arduous journey to freedom — one that includes Moses parting the Red Sea to help his people escape from an approaching army and reach safety on the other side of the water.

“Passover is really the moment when the Jewish nation was formed,” Katz says. “It marks the Jews’ exodus from Egypt after centuries of slavery. It’s out of that experience — God’s redeeming the people and then bringing them to (Mount) Sinai to give them the Torah — that the Jewish existence was formed. It’s absolutely fundamental to our history.”

3 thoughtful Passover gift ideas

when is passover blue orchid — Blue Phalaenopsis Orchid

when is passover Shalom Welcome Wall Art Sign — Shalom Welcome Wall Art Sign

when is passover Natures Beauty Bouquet — Nature’s Beauty Bouquet

What is a Seder, and what does it typically include?

During the first two nights of Passover, families host what is called a Seder, or meal, which includes a retelling of the story of Exodus, ritual blessings and songs, and symbolic food and drinks. Typically, one person leads the Seder (the word “Seder” means “order” in Hebrew”), while others also participate and everyone follows along from a book called a haggadah.

“The Seder, or Passover meal, is the most celebrated event on the Jewish calendar,” Katz says. “It’s a very family-oriented, very interestingly constructed, and very happy occasion.”

The Passover meal is filled with traditions. The first, and most important, centers on matzah, a basic mixture of flour and water baked into an unleavened “flat” bread.

“We also sometimes call it the ‘bread of affliction,’” Katz says. “It can’t rise for more than 18 minutes. That’s because the Jews were in such a hurry to run away from Egypt that they didn’t take the time to bake the bread all the way to its normal level. When we eat matzah, it reminds us of the exodus from Egypt in the most visceral and fundamental way.”

Beyond matzah, a Seder menu also typically includes karpas, greens that have been dipped in salt water or vinegar (to symbolize rebirth and hope but also the tears shed to reach that moment); maror, a pungent herb used to represent the bitterness of slavery; beitzah, a roasted or hard-boiled egg that symbolizes spring and the circle of life; and charoset, a paste made of apples and nuts that is symbolic of the mortar the Jews used to build the pyramids.

Beyond the Seder — which happens the first and second nights of Passover — many people do not eat leavened bread for the entire eight days as a symbolic way of recognizing the sacrifices that took place during the exodus from Egypt.

How can you respectfully join in Passover celebrations?

The first step in embracing any holiday or tradition is learning about its history. Katz says to do some research, ask questions, and make a real effort to appreciate the significance of the day.

If you are invited to a Seder, be respectful. Dress appropriately (as you would if you were attending a place of worship), listen actively, and volunteer to help with preparations or clean-up, if needed.

Also, it’s a good idea to show your gratitude in the form of a gift, such as a bottle of kosher wine.

“However, don’t bring other items or foods without asking because you don’t want to introduce things into the home that aren’t allowed during Passover,” Katz says.

You may also want to share a card or a colorful bouquet or house plant, he says. “Something pretty.”

“As a child, I remember my parents used to send pieces of matzah to all the neighbors as a sign of friendship and camaraderie and to acknowledge the fact that we’re all in it together,” Katz adds.

“You can also look for Passover meals that are being hosted at churches or community centers and attend one,” he says. “That’s another great way to make a meaningful, symbolic gesture.”

A Beginner’s Guide to Air Plants

If you’re a plant lover, chances are you’ve heard of air plants. These unique and low-maintenance plants have become quite popular in recent years, and for good reason. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also require very little care and can thrive in a variety of environments.

However, if you’re new to the wonderful world of air plants, you may be wondering about the different types and their specific characteristics. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explore the various kinds of air plants and their unique features so you can better educate yourself about these fascinating plants.

An overview of the air plant family

Air plants, known scientifically as tillandsia, are a member of the Bromeliad family. These distinctive plants hail from such diverse locales as the lush forests, towering mountains, and arid deserts of Central and South America.

Boasting more than 650 unique species, tillandsia are a fascinating genus to explore. What makes these plants so extraordinary is their status as epiphytes. This means they can grow and flourish in unlikely places — clinging to other plants, resting on rocks, or even taking up residence on telephone wires! They survive by absorbing water and nutrients not through roots, as most plants do, but directly through their leaves. This unique trait gives them the ability to exist in places other plants can’t and adds to their allure.

Understanding the various types of air plants

Air plants come in an array of shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are small enough to sit in the palm of your hand, while others can grow to impressive lengths. Some have soft, feathery leaves, and others bear stiff, spiky foliage. The colors of air plants range from deep green to silver to even red or purple. Popular species include the elegant tillandsia xerographica, with its silvery rosette of wide leaves, the charming tillandsia ionantha, which turns a vibrant red when it’s time to flower, and the intriguing tillandsia tectorum, known for its fuzzy, snow-like coating.

The beauty of blooming air plants

The bloom time of air plants can last anywhere from a few days to a few months. The flowering period is a vital phase in the air plant’s life cycle, signifying the plant reaching maturity and, subsequently, the beginning of a new generation.

Post-blooming, the plant produces pups, or baby plants, from its base. Over time, as the parent plant slowly fades, the new offspring continue to grow, carrying on the life cycle of the species.

3 air plant gift ideas

types of air plants Red Air Plant Handcrafted Soap Bees Wax Candle Fragrance — Red Air Plant Handcrafted Soap Bees Wax Candle Fragrance

types of air plants Happy Birthday Air Plant Candle Gift Box — Happy Birthday Air Plant & Candle Gift Box

types of air plants Live Air Plant With A Spiral Sea Shell — Live Air Plant With A Spiral Sea Shell

Growing conditions for different types of air plants

One of the biggest benefits of air plants is the little amount of care and maintenance they require. They enjoy bright but indirect sunlight and are happiest in warm environments, making them ideal candidates for indoor gardening.

When it comes to watering, they need a good soak once a week. The easiest way to water your air plants is to plunge them into a bowl of water for a couple of hours. Once they’ve enjoyed their bath, though, make sure they dry out completely before their next watering session — they do thrive during dry periods, after all.

Air circulation plays a pivotal role in the life of air plants, so keep them in a space that allows good air movement. And be wary of stagnant water around your plants, as this can quickly lead to root rot, their number one nemesis.

One last tip: Although they draw nutrients from their leaves, a monthly dose of fertilizer can give your air plants an extra boost of vitality, keeping them in top-notch condition.

Cultivating a healthy air plant collection

Close up of woman florist wear overalls, spraying air plant till

Nurturing a healthy air plant collection isn’t complicated, but it does require some mindfulness. Observation is key, so keep an eye on your tillandsias and respond promptly to their needs.

Rolled or curled leaves can be a sign of dehydration, in which case, it might be time to increase your watering frequency. But be careful: Leaves that turn brown and mushy are often a sign of overwatering. Finding the right watering balance is crucial to keeping your air plants thriving.

As these plants are natives of tropical and subtropical environments, where humidity is plentiful, consider misting them between waterings to maintain optimal humidity levels.

While these unique plants can survive on air, light, and water alone, a bit of specially formulated air plant fertilizer can supercharge their health and vitality. Use it sparingly, though — you don’t want to overwhelm your plants.

Displaying your air plants creatively

Air plants, since they can grow in a variety of places, offer a world of possibilities when it comes to displaying them. One idea is to suspend them from your ceiling to create a whimsical, living “botanical chandelier.” Another is to attach them to a piece of driftwood or wall-mounted board and, voila, you’ve got a piece of living wall art. Or, grab yourself a glass terrarium and simply nestle your air plants among a mini-landscape of pebbles, moss, and other natural elements.

Remember, though: Whichever way you choose to display them, your air plants have specific light and air needs, and to tend to them accordingly. Also, it’s a good idea to rotate your air plants periodically for even growth.

30 Best Retirement Gifts for Women

Transitioning to those golden years, after spending decades hard at work building up a career, can be a challenge. While retirement can, indeed, be an exciting time too, your friend or loved one might need a helpful reminder to slow down and enjoy all her new, ample free time.

“Retirement is a big deal in someone’s life,” explains Eric Croak, CFP, accredited wealth management advisor and president of Croak Capital. “It’s the end of a long period of hard work and commitment, and it’s a time to celebrate and recognize that. Giving retirement gifts is a key part of this celebration.”

Positive aged woman getting a lovely present from her attentive granddaughter

Acknowledging someone when they step away from the workforce shows not only how much their contributions mean but also the significance of the personal connections they’ve made. “These gifts aren’t just things — they show how much you appreciate and respect the person retiring for all their hard work and dedication,” he says, adding: “They can also be a reminder of their career and the relationships they’ve built over the years.” The gift also can encourage the person to return to their passions beyond work.

For many retirees, post-retirement is the best time to globetrot and see all the sights and countries they didn’t have time for before. Other folks want to spend more time at home, digging in the dirt to beautify their gardens or spending more time with their grandchildren.

No matter what her hobbies or passion projects are, we have several ideas to help you get the perfect gift for your retiree. These retirement gifts for women will assist her in making the most of this exciting new chapter in her life, while making you a master gift giver.

1. The self-care and wellness advocate

retirement gifts for women Personalized Luxury Fleece Robe — *Classic Comfort Personalized Luxury Spa Robe*

retirement gifts for women tea gift set — *Tea Forte Wellbeing Gift Set*

retirement gifts for women Personalized Wind Chimes — *Retirement Years Personalized Wind Chimes*

Work life can be hectic, but retirement life shouldn’t be. Now that she’s venturing into her own personalized “Life of Riley” situation, maybe it’s time she remember to take a step back and care for herself too. While there’s no one-size-fits-all method to recharging after a long career, there are some tried and true ways to unwind, from sipping a glass of red wine to taking a dip in a warm bath with luxurious bath salts. Everyone needs something different to feel refreshed and relaxed, so get her a self-care retirement gift she’ll love.

2. The gardener

retirement gifts for women Personalized Outdoor Flower Pot — Garden of Love Personalized Outdoor Flower Pot

retirement gifts for women Personalized Garden Tote and Tools — My Garden Personalized Garden Tote and Tools

retirement gifts for women Charming Rose Garden — Charming Rose Garden

Your retiree always has some dirt under her fingernails, from all the time spent tending to her flowers. If you know a woman who likes nothing more than immersing herself in her garden for hours on end, then these garden-related gifts — from gardening tools to pretty pots for her porch plants — are sure to bring her joy.

3. The world traveler

retirement gifts for women Personalized Leatherette Passport Holder — Personalized Charcoal Leatherette Passport Holder

retirement gifts for women Embroidered Garment Bag — Embroidered Deluxe Garment Bag

retirement gifts for women Scratch Your Travels Watercolor World Map — Scratch Your Travels Watercolor World Map

Now that she’s retired, your friend or loved one can resume (or begin!) her world travels. These travel-minded gifts will encourage the wanderlust in the globetrotter in your life, from making her hotel stays or airplane rides comfier to helping her document her trips around the world.

4. The health nut

retirement gifts for women Personalized Cooling Towel — Personalized Yoga Cooling Towel

retirement gifts for women Personalized Tote Bag — Fitness Fan Personalized Tote Bag

retirement gifts for women Deluxe Fresh Fruit Basket — Deluxe Fresh Fruit Basket

Finding the perfect gift for someone with an active, healthy lifestyle can seem daunting. Consider upgrading her already health-conscious routine with a personalized touch, such as a new yoga cooling towel with her name on it or some energizing snacks.

5. The golf lover

retirement gifts for women Engraved Retirement Golf Pen Set — Engraved Retirement Golf Pen Set

retirement gifts for women Personalized Golf Towel — Personalized Golf Towel

retirement gifts for women Retirement Personalized Golf Ball Set — Personalized Retirement Golf Ball Set

If the retiree you’re celebrating loves to tee it high and let it fly every chance she gets, then look no further than these golf-centric gifts — they’re more than par for the course. (Note: We do not guarantee these gifts will help lower her handicap.)

6. The family woman

retirement gifts for women Personalized Photo Cube — Grandkids Personalized Photo Cubes

retirement gifts for women Engraved Photo Pendant Necklace — Grandma’s Engraved Round Photo Pendant Necklace

retirement gifts for women Personalized Womens Fleece Scarf — Reasons Why For Grandma Personalized Women’s Fleece Scarf

Retiring from a long, fruitful career can also mean spending more time with family. This can take many different shapes, such as setting off on road trips to see the grandchildren or capturing more family moments together. No matter what gift you give her, though, chances are she will feel happy knowing you encouraged her greatest love: her family.

7. The home chef

retirement gifts for women Personalized Bamboo Cookbook Stand — Personalized Bamboo Cookbook & Tablet Stand

retirement gifts for women Personalized Ceramic Pie Dish — Personalized Ceramic Pie Dish

retirement gifts for women Retirement BBQ Set — Personalized Retirement BBQ 13 Piece Set

Less time at the office means more time in the kitchen. If your retiree likes cooking up a scrumptious meal, then these ideas for enhancing her culinary skills — from kitchen accessories to grilling tools — will get a five-star rating.

8. The bibliophile

retirement gifts for women Venchi Chocolate Garden Maxi Book — Venchi Chocolate Garden Maxi Book

retirement gifts for women Personalized Pink Fleece Blanket — Retired Life Personalized Pink Fleece Blanket

retirement gifts for women One Book Flower With Stem 1 — One Book Flower with Stem

Is she an avid reader? If so, there’s more than just great books (though there are plenty of those too!) to buy her. Try a personalized bookmark or snuggly lounge blanket to warm her up when she’s reading into the wee hours of the morning. After all, she won’t have to worry about getting up on time to clock in at the office anymore.

9. The movie buff

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retirement gifts for women Popcorn Set — Film Festival Popcorn Set

retirement gifts for women Movie Night Action Gift Box — Movie Night Action Gift Box

Being retired frees up more time for her to catch up on her favorite movie genre or rewatch classics. Help your film-loving retiree unwind with these must-have accessories — they may just earn you an invite to her next big movie night.

10. The outdoorsy woman

retirement gifts for women Personalized Pickleball Water Bottle — Personalized Pickleball Water Bottle

retirement gifts for women Personalized Cooler Chair — Sit ‘n Fish Personalized Cooler & Chair

retirement gifts for women Embroidered Outdoor Cooler Backpack — Embroidered Outdoor Cooler Backpack

Post retirement, those who love getting outside and exploring the great outdoors can once again do so whenever they want. If your retiree can’t wait to hit the trails or try a new outdoor activity — Fishing? Pickleball? — then these retirement gifts will aid her in her adventure.

For Jordan Ferney, Celebrating Occasions Is All About Creating Magical Moments

Jordan Ferney turned her love of celebration into a career and a happy home for her family. As a successful event planner and self-described “creative entrepreneur,” she transformed DIY blogging into the businesses Oh Happy Day and Color Factory, an online party resource and interactive art experience, respectively. Her colorful craft spreads joy whether she’s writing for Domino or planning an ice cream adventure for her three kids: Moses, 16; Roman, 14; and Simone, 7.

She applies her arts and crafts approach to their life too. She restored a greenhouse in the backyard of their weekend home in upstate New York, which she calls “a kind of alter ego.” While there, she likes to cook, garden, and slow down, creating meaningful experiences for her family and friends. “It’s more about enjoying nature up there,” she says. “There are no TVs around; everyone unplugs. We open all the doors and have access to all this pretty wildness.”

Ferney makes moments special — magical, actually — without spending a ton of time or money. “Think about the end feeling and work backward,” she says. For this businesswoman, wife, and mother, it works. Try it.

SEE: Jordan’s Mother’s Day Picks

Where does your creativity come from?

I come from a family of eight kids; my parents are schoolteachers. We didn’t have a lot of money, but both my parents just knew how to create drama and experiences. That’s the environment I was brought up in — it has to be magical and perfect. I want to give that to my children.

Is there an experience you remember as a kid where your parents made something special?

One Christmas morning, my parents gave us a box filled with letters, and we had to figure out what they spelled. Finally, we put it together: “Disneyland!” They were like, “Go pack, we’re leaving in three hours.” It was mayhem! We all went crazy, crying and packing. That’s what I remember. It didn’t cost more to present it like that.

I always love thinking about that. We packed in three hours and went to Disneyland, but it’s the visceral, dramatic moment I remember most.

Can people still do that now, make magic for their kids?

Absolutely. Make it magical. Our kids’ birthdays is their “yes day.” They look forward to it all year. They get to pick what they want, and we try to say “yes” to everything, whether it’s ice cream or a Broadway show. If they want ice cream, we build a giant ice cream sundae.

The book “The Power of Moments” talks all about creating the dramatic moment. People will spend money on an expensive trip, but that memory blends in. Instead, it’s the dramatic things that sear into your brain. Create a ceremony to make it memorable.

How does creating magic every day change life?

It’s being thoughtful about the meaning and being deliberate. It’s really about them, thinking about what you want them to feel, thinking of the end result and working backward. My son’s birthday is in two days, so I’m thinking, “What’s going to make him feel loved? What can I do to remind the people in his life to reach out?” I might collect a quick video from everyone for his phone. I want to make him feel seen and appreciated.

So, is the reveal more important than the gift?

Yeah, FOR SURE. The thing that gets seared in the brain is the drama, the presentation. Like, we make our kids wait till they’re 13 to get phones. So, for my oldest son, we got him an iPhone, but we made a printout on a box that said “Mom Caller” with a picture of Elmo on the front. He was like, “OK,” then he opened it, and it was an iPhone. He still talks about that moment. It’s usually not about the gift — it’s about being playful.

It’s not about money spent — it’s about making the person feel loved and appreciated and seen.
Jordan Ferney

What’s your feeling about birthday gifts?

I really like thoughtful presents. The great thing about having a big family is I have all these nephews and nieces in their early 20s who are so cool, and my kids look up to them like gods. So, I got my 16-year-old a record player and asked all my nieces and nephews to choose records, like their perfect album, and add a Post-It note for when to listen to it. Like for The Smiths, the note says, “Listen when you get broken up with.” It’s soooo cute. That’s an example of something that doesn’t cost more than the actual present but has meaning.

What about reciprocation? Do your kids do anything for you?

It’s SO important to me to make sure I’m raising partners and community members who don’t just rely on me to do it all. Look, I happily do all this work; I want to make it magical. You don’t have to spend a ton of money or all day, but you do have to do something and make sure it’s thoughtful.

Do your kids do something for you on Mother’s Day?

Last year my husband, Paul, was out of town for a conference, so they totally did it by themselves. They made “toy soldiers” with a soft (boiled) egg; it’s a common staple at our house. They did a really good job. I try to emphasize that it’s not about money spent — it’s about making the person feel loved and appreciated and seen.

How do your kids feel about the way you celebrate them and everything else?

It’s our family culture, so they’re into it. I would never force them to do anything — other than their homework, eat a vegetable once a while, and clean their rooms. I’ve realized if you create a really exciting, fun family culture, everyone is first in line — they’re in.

What’s the value in life of making something special?

It’s just more fun. You could do it the boring way or the fun way. It has meaning, and people remember it.

One Tough Cookie: Rosemary Alfredo’s Advocacy a Key Ingredient in Daughter’s Success

Collette Divitto has enjoyed baking for as long as she can remember. When she enrolled in a baking class in high school, she had no idea it would pave the way for her entrepreneurial journey as founder and CEO of her Charlestown, Massachusetts-based company, Collettey’s Cookies. “The teacher called three months into it, and I thought she was going to tell me [Collette] was struggling,” says Rosemary Alfredo, Collette’s mom, who is also the company’s director of PR and marketing. “But she told me Collette was her best student. She was teaching and helping the other kids in the class.”

Collette, who has Down syndrome, was born in 1990 into a family of determined and hard-working entrepreneurs. Rosemary explains: “My dad was an entrepreneur. It was important to my parents to instill in us an understanding that you get pride from work and self-esteem from making your own money. We all grew up having chores and having jobs.”

That’s a mindset Rosemary passed down to her children.

Living and learning in the real world

Although Rosemary attended college for a time, she ultimately relied on what she calls “street smarts” to get ahead in life. “Back when I went to college, the professors had been in education their whole lives,” she says. “Sometimes I would sit in class and think, ‘This is not what’s going to happen in the real world.’” That prompted her to leave college and take part-time classes, learning things like real estate development and construction. She went on to launch several successful ventures of her own in those areas, as well as an athletic club.

When it came to Collette’s education, Rosemary reflected on her college days and recognized the system simply wasn’t set up to teach her daughter the real-life skills she believed she would need to succeed. So, from elementary through middle school, Rosemary partnered with educators to develop projects and lessons that would help Collette develop confidence and self-esteem while she learned. Collette flourished.

As a parent, she has always been my best friend, my rock, and my hero. I wouldn’t be here without my mom.

Collette Divitto

Founder & CEO, Collettey’s Cookies

In high school, however, things changed. Unable to keep up with the rigors of standardized education in her peer group, Collette began to spiral. Rosemary had to start from square one. “Every time you hit these different schools, you have different leadership, different principals, who have different mentalities,” she says.

After several meetings with school administrators, Rosemary was able to make the case that Collette would be better off with a specialized curriculum that incorporated facets of traditional learning with valuable life skills. “I asked for all the textbooks, and then I wrote the curriculum,” Rosemary says. “It was about voting for the president, traveling, creating a budget, banking. Whether it was global history or science, I wrote her curriculum [about] what she needed to learn.”

Rosemary then looked to electives to augment the rest of Collette’s education. And that’s when she enrolled Collette in a baking class.

Building on a foundation of success

After high school, Collette went on to graduate from Clemson University’s LIFE program and was intent on living a life of independence. She moved to Boston and applied for job after job, but the responses from employers were always the same: “You’re not a fit for our company.”

Never one to give up — it’s a trait that runs in the family — Collette charted her own course. With Rosemary’s assistance, she combined her love of baking with business and launched Collettey’s Cookies, a profitable online bakery that also employs others living with disabilities.

“There are so many amazing things about my mom,” Collette says. “She has taught me so many incredible things and is so inspirational to me. As a parent, she has always been my best friend, my rock, and my hero. I wouldn’t be here without my mom.”

Adds Rosemary: “I’m glad Collette believes in me, because I believe in her.”

April Birth Flowers: All About the Daisy and Sweet Pea

As the vibrant hues of spring begin to color the landscape, April brings forth a delightful duo of birth flowers. These charming blossoms not only add beauty to gardens and bouquets, but also carry rich histories and symbolic meanings.

April’s birth flowers, with their beauty, fragrance, and significance, embody the essence of spring, serving as timeless reminders of the hopefulness that surrounds us this time of year. So, let us revel in the splendor of these enchanting flowers that herald the season of renewal and growth.

What are the April birth flowers?

The April birth flowers are the daisy and sweet pea.

Daisies (Bellis perennis) are cheerful and iconic flowers characterized by their white petals surrounding a sunny yellow center. They belong to the Asteraceae family and are native to Europe and parts of North Africa. Known for their resilience, daisies are often found thriving in meadows, lawns, and even cracks in sidewalks.

Sweet peas (Lathyrus odoratus) are delicate, fragrant flowers cherished for their vibrant colors and enchanting scent. Native to Cyprus, Sicily, and southern Italy, sweet peas are climbing plants that produce clusters of blossoms in various shades of pink, purple, blue, and white.

What is the history of daisies?

The daisy has been around since at least 2,200 BC, when the ancient Egyptians grew them in their gardens and used them as herbal medicine. In ancient times, they were associated with Freya, the Norse goddess of love, beauty, and fertility, and in Greek mythology, the goddess Aphrodite was often depicted adorned with daisies.

During the Middle Ages, daisies became associated with the Virgin Mary. In Christian art, daisies appeared in depictions of the Madonna and Child.

The Renaissance period found daisies frequently featured in artwork, poetry, and literature. Today, daisies are cherished for their cheerful appearance and resilience, and are commonly used in gardens, floral arrangements, and landscaping projects.

What is the meaning of daisies?

The daisy, with its simple, white petals and fresh, crisp appearance, has become synonymous with innocence and purity, making it a popular choice for bridal bouquets and baby showers.

april birth flowers woman holding bouquet of gerbera daisies

With their appearance in early spring, daisies are also seen as symbols of new beginnings and fresh starts. These flowers can represent the start of a new chapter in life, whether it be a new relationship, new job, or new phase of personal growth.

In some contexts, daisies are also associated with true love and loyalty, a symbolism that stems from the flower’s enduring nature and its ability to thrive in a variety of conditions. Daisies can represent the steadfastness and faithfulness found in deep, lasting relationships.

How to care for daisies

Daisies are not hard to care for. Here are some essential care tips for these low-maintenance flowers.

Sunlight: Daisies thrive in full sun, so plant them in a location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight a day.
Soil: Daisies prefer well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and has a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 6.0 and 7.0).
Watering: Water daisies regularly to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During hot, dry periods, daisies may require more frequent watering.
Fertilization: Though daisies generally don’t require heavy fertilization, they can benefit from a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer applied in spring as new growth begins.
Winter care: In colder climates, protect daisy plants from frost damage by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants in late fall. In regions with harsh winters, consider overwintering potted daisies indoors or covering outdoor plants with frost cloth during freezing temperatures.

3 interesting facts about daisies

Daisies are not a single flower but actually a composite of several tiny flowers called florets.
The word “daisy” is derived from the Old English term “day’s eye.” This refers to the flower’s habit of closing its petals at night and reopening them in the morning.
Many species of daisies are eatable. Daisies add a subtle, slightly tangy flavor to salads, soups, and desserts, and can also be brewed into herbal teas.

April birth flower gift ideas

april birth flowers Pink Roses White Daisies — Fair Trade Certified Pink Roses & White Daisies

april birth flowers daisy necklace — Friends Daisy Necklace

april birth flowers Disney Mickey Mouse Vase With Assorted Gerbera Daisies — Disney Mickey Mouse Vase With Assorted Gerbera Daisies

What is the history of sweet peas?

Sweet peas were initially discovered by a Sicilian monk named Franciscus Cupani in the late 17th century. In 1699, Cupani sent seeds of the wild sweet pea to England, where they gained attention for their delicate beauty and sweet fragrance.

In the 19th century, English nurserymen began selectively breeding sweet peas for larger flowers, more vibrant colors, and stronger fragrance. During this era, sweet peas experienced a surge in popularity; their exquisite blooms and enchanting scent made them coveted by both gardeners and florists.

Today, sweet peas are grown as annuals in many regions, though they can behave as short-lived perennials in milder climates. They are commonly used in gardens, borders, containers, and cut flower arrangements.

What is the meaning of sweet peas?

Sweet peas are seen as symbols of gratitude and appreciation. They convey heartfelt thanks and acknowledgment for acts of kindness, support, or friendship. Giving sweet peas as a gift shows how much you appreciate someone’s presence or assistance.

These flowers are also associated with delicate pleasures and simple joys. Their fragrant blooms and charming appearance evoke feelings of happiness, contentment, and beauty in everyday life.

With their delicate blooms and fleeting beauty, sweet peas represent the ideas of farewell and departure. They may be given as a parting gift to express bittersweet emotions and wishes for a safe journey or new beginnings.

How to care for sweet peas

Sunlight: Depending on where they grow, sweet peas like full sun to partial shade. In cooler temperatures, they can be planted in full sun; in warmer climates, plant them where they’ll receive morning sun and some afternoon shade.
Soil: Sweet peas thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Planting time: Plant sweet pea seeds or seedlings in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. In cooler climates, you can plant them in late fall for early spring blooms.
Spacing: Plant sweet pea seeds or seedlings about 6 inches apart in rows or clusters. Sweet peas are vigorous climbers, reaching heights of 6 to 8 feet, so it’s important to provide support (trellises, fences, bamboo stakes, etc.) for the vines to climb.
Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, especially during dry periods or when the plants are flowering.
Fertilization: Sweet peas benefit from a balanced fertilizer applied at planting time and again during the growing season.
Harvesting: Cut sweet pea flowers for bouquets frequently to encourage continuous blooming. Harvest flowers early in the morning when they are fully hydrated, and choose stems with buds that have just started to open.

3 interesting facts about sweet peas

Sweet peas, along with peas and beans, belong to the legume family. Unlike peas, however, sweet peas do not produce edible pods.
Sweet peas are known for their ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, enriching it for other plants.
Modern sweet pea cultivars come in almost every color — but not yellow.