Flower Biz and Buzz

Layton Old Town Parade

2010-11-11T22:02:00.000-08:00

2010-08-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend pitching in with the Silver Cricket in Park City. Now I'm working on McCall's wedding. Here's part of what we are doing.

Herb series: French Country Wedding Flowers

2010-07-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Corsage with mint, hypericum and lavender.

Thistle and Equisedum Boutonniere

That's a lot o' corsages!!!

Herb Weddings

2010-07-08T15:58:00.000-07:00

Here is the first in a series:

Wedding Season

2010-07-07T09:09:00.000-07:00

A wedding day is so full of tiny details starting with the dress and moving through every aspect of the special day, including the food, the jewelry, the music and of course all the way to the flowers. It's easy for something to go slightly wrong or to be forgotten, but at least this doesn't happen at most weddings:

Buzzed by Fascination with Bees

2010-04-03T14:00:00.000-07:00

I've been growing a large fascination for bees and beekeeping for quite some time now. When the responsibilities of the shop decrease for me someday, I will immediately begin my hobby as an apiculturist or bee-keeper. I found this interesting video on NPR's Science Friday from April 2, 2010. I love it!

Buy Local First!

2010-04-01T15:22:00.000-07:00

Please read the guest commentary written by Betsy Burton of Local First Utah in the Salt Lake Tribune regarding the necessity of supporting local businesses. Local businesses are important to all of us!

Visit Local First's website here it's well worth your time.

2010-03-02T21:46:00.001-08:00

BLOGGR

Olympic Medalists Receive Flowers

2010-02-24T08:44:00.000-08:00

Every two years the rest of my life goes on hold so that I may savor every moment, every detail of the Olympic games. Those details include a very unique part of the Olympic experience. Not only do I enjoy the gut wrenching thrill of competition, the speed, the power and the technique of the athletes, but I can't get enough of the awards ceremonies. I'm not just talking about the handing out of the medals; which are gorgeous by the way, but I'm talking about the flowers. Each athlete is given the gift of flowers and with good reason. Flowers are a part of our lives as humans on this planet. There is nothing more natural than giving a gift of flowers. They make us feel better emotionally when we see them, touch them and smell them. They actually decrease our blood pressure and stress levels. And, they're a fitting way to celebrate the triumph of Olympic champions.

The Right Way to Watch the Oscars

2010-02-23T15:05:00.000-08:00

The first thing that I think of when I think of Oscar night on Sunday March 7th is the flowers! I do this for two reasons:
1. My friend Tracy Barlow AIFD, has been asked to be the newest member of design team for the Academy Awards. Way to go friend!
2. Nothing puts the glam in fabulous like flowers! When you watch the total coverage of the Awards night from the arrivals to the red carpet to the utterance of "Goodnight everyone" by the relieved host you will notice that there are flower arrangements everywhere. Try this year to count how many times you see a stunning arrangement in the background, framing the stars.

Why not host on Oscar Party this year? Many people gather to watch the Academy Awards together, but instead of just sitting around watching the TV, how about throwing a party in conjunction? Here's a list of things to do in order to launch a successful Oscar viewing party.

Buy a spectacular flower arrangement as a centerpiece.
Buy or rent a red carpet for your guests to walk on as they arrive. Once inside, you can use the floral spray as a decoration piece for your guests to stand next to while you play Paparazzi. Take a photo of each guest as they arrive.
Ask your guests on the invitation to dress as one of the characters from their favorite movie that is nominated this year for an award.
Go to Oscar.com and print a copy of the voting ballot. Then, have each guest fill out their choices for the winners of each category and give them a prize. One dozen roses from your local florist would make a great grand prize for the winner.
Another variation of the guessing the winner theme would be to set up a pool. Have each guest randomly pick a square and whoever comes closet to guessing the real winners wins.
Print invitations, or send free e-invitations from a site like Socializr.com or Evite.com.
Stock up on party favors and snacks.
Hand out door prizes through the night.
During commercial breaks play games like "name that Academy Award winning tune" or look up trivia on the web or on Trivial Pursuit cards to keep it interesting when the main event isn't on.
Provide comfortable seating including floor pillows, bean bag chairs or blankets for your guests.
Post famous quotes from previous "Best Movie" winners all over the house.
Make swag bags with goodies or other door prizes to give to your guests as they leave.

There are lots of fun ways to put on a party, and the Oscars provides a unique opportunity for adding a theme to make your party the most talked about of the year.

Valentines Day 2010

2010-02-08T09:41:00.000-08:00

The Valentine's Day rush has started! It's the Monday before the holiday and things are starting to happen around here!

As always, it's best to order early. And please, please remember, do not order flowers on line unless you know you are ordering from a reliable source! You'll be much happier on February 14th if you do.

Here at the shop we have a lovely selection of Roses of all Colors including Red. But this year why not try something different? Roses come in so many colors. Wouldn't your loved one be wowed by an electric mango orange rose arrangement? Let me tell you the answer is YES!

Give us a call 1-877-621-7188 and order for Thursday, Friday, Saturday or even Sunday.

Happy Valentines Day everyone!

New How To Video Basic Corsage Steps

2009-11-18T14:41:00.000-08:00

This video is sneakily disguised as a demonstration about how to put silk flowers on a pen. What the video is really showing might be surprising. It contains the beginning steps for learning how to make a corsage!

Guest Blogging Off the Flower Path for a Day

2009-11-17T22:17:00.000-08:00

Please read my guest post at the Damsel's New Old School Blog. If you like learning how to do things the old fashioned way, or just sharing ideas about recipes, food preservation, sewing, crafts and other cool stuff, this is the place to be!

I wrote about making doughnuts at my Grandma's house on Halloween. It's an all day process that provided a nice change of pace from making flower arrangements all day. There were four of us helpers, it took us from nine in the morning until five in the afternoon. Grandma used to do it by herself every Halloween, with all of the neighborhood kids underfoot!

The sale on Christmas decor is still happening at Annie's Main Street Floral. We have a good selection of velvet covered, red ornaments--enough to decorate a tree, and two full sized artificial Christmas trees (one of them is lightly flocked and pre-lit). We also have a trio of lodge pole pine trees including a stand, and pine wreaths and silk flowers. Plus some really cute heat-activated whirly-gig ornaments. Remember, everything is between 70-90 % off!

Christmas Decor Bargains

2009-10-07T09:31:00.000-07:00

Christmas Decor Blowout Sale
Starting October 26, the week of Halloween, we are clearing out all Christmas Decor. We want to make room for new items and changes to the showroom. We're talking Christmas trees, ornaments, silk flowers, plush, ribbon, containers, you name it. 70-90% discounts. Items are first come first served, and must be paid with cash, check or credit card. (No house charges, sorry). Some items are new, some are gently used. This is a great way to get a new look for Christmas without spending a lot of money!

Design Contest!

2009-09-21T16:32:00.000-07:00

So excited, the Rathburn wedding came just in time to enter this contest!!
Keep tuned in for pictures.

JTV/uBloom Design Contest
uBloom - Monday, 21 September 2009

Charity Events

2009-09-15T15:57:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all at the Davis County Gala for the Community Learning Center in Clearfield Utah. It was a great time. Annie volunteered for the silent auction. We were able to have some great food from the Davis Conference center and we saw acrobats twirling in fabric, 30 feet in the air. Also, the Nylons performed. It was a great all around event for charity. This was Thursday night.

Saturday, the students from Clearfield High School picked up their corsages and boutonnieres and Annie participated in The Deron Williams and Kyle Korver Charity Dodgeball tournament for the Christmas Box House. This is absolutely non-flower related, but we love to support charities and charity events. Here is what I wrote about it on www.Jazzbots.com:

http://www.jazzbots.com/web/2009/09/15/dodgeball-childhood-trauma-revisited/

It was good fun and great exercise of muscles I didn't even know that I had!!!

Shop front counter Sept

2009-09-04T15:53:00.001-07:00

Shop front counter Sept
Originally uploaded by annie.whittaker

It's beginning to look a lot like September here in the shop. It's my favorite time of year! The big yellow flower above the red wall is made of recycled packing materials and the surrounding garlands are made from packing materials and bed skirts! I love re-purposing things.

Yay Construction!! (Really)

2009-08-30T13:06:00.000-07:00

It's finally here. No more wondering, worrying or having to answer "I'm not sure when." The construction has started in front of our store. My concerns that the traffic would stop flowing northbound in front of our store on Main Street weren't unfounded; it's pretty much 'nil. But you have to look at the silver lining of the cloud right?

Well amazingly enough, I've found a couple. First, people can see my signage better! They aren't blocked or distracted by busy traffic. Secondly, it's much, much easier to get into our parking lot now. So if you are one of the folks who didn't want to deal with turning left against all the craziness or not being able to turn left out of our parking lot, worry no more! It's almost heavenly maneuvering into the lot!

Come and see us!!

2009-02-24T17:11:00.000-08:00

Spring is Here!Well, close enough. It's here in the shop! We would like to announce the opening of registration for our

Spring Floral Design Class

Wednesday March 25, 2009

6:30 PM

Make and Take your own bouquet!

Class will be approximately 2 hours long, goodies will be provided.

Cost is $40 which includes all materials and instruction.

Classes are small so that we can provide individualized instruction so call today!Discount available for those who sign up with two friends or more.

Call the shop for more information.

801-544-5999

Things to Remember About Valentines Day

2009-01-26T19:28:00.000-08:00

The Valentine's Day "season" is looming. Although it's only one day, for most florists the planning for this one day happens a year in advance, and the ordering and preparation begins months in advance. There is such a demand for roses, that the price is forced to go up with it.

So far, I have only been able to wonder what would happen if the demand on Valentine's Day was more balanced between roses and other flowers. Mixed flower bouquets are perceived to be less romantic I suppose. But when you think about it, who determines what is romantic?

In all reality, it's the thought behind the Valentine's gift that makes it romantic. When I am choosing flowers for my home, I choose anything besides roses. I think that roses are beautiful and there is nothing in the world that matches the unique beauty of the rose, but this can be said about all other flowers. Mixed bouquets are going to last longer than all rose bouquets, with staggered life spans depending on the blooms in the bouquet. Not only do they last longer, but they have more variety in texture and color.

In my experience, women prefer something besides just roses in a bouquet. I've also learned from my experience, that men are the main buyers of flowers on Valentines Day, and that most men think that the women they are buying for prefer roses. If men and women could only communicate!

The most important thing to know about Valentines Day is that not all dozen rose arrangements are created equally. Make sure as you are calling and checking prices at different florists, to ask what each of those bouquets contain. Only roses? Babies Breath? Other accent flowers? One type of greenery or several? Curly willow? Ribbon or bow? Large vase or small? Etc. Etc.

It might seem like you are getting a huge bargain, but you might be buying an apple, when you thought you were buying a bag of oranges.

'Tis the Season, I Think

2008-12-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

The holiday season is often very busy for most florists, in fact a lot of the traditional bread and butter days start with Thanksgiving and roll on into Christmas, then Valentines Day, and everything finishes up with Mother's Day and Memorial Day.

Traditionally, that's true. Now, things are still in the process of changing and have been for the last 8-10 years in a drastic way. This year was no exception, and we had the added bonus of a Presidential election year (typically drives sales down), and the now supposedly official recession. All I can say is good thing for the wedding and sympathy sales this summer, which have been up every year for us.

I just wanted to hit on a few of the things that I've been involved with this fall and now winter. In October I attended and helped to produce the Utah Chapter of the Romance Writer's of America's annual conference. It was held at the Canyons Resort in Park City Utah. So beautiful!!! I know, this is about the flower bizz, and while we did of course have floral centerpieces at all the dinners, I mention this conference because I want to showcase part of our marketing efforts. Meet Maggie:

Maggie showed up at every room where an URWA session was to be held. She showed every one at the resort whether a participant of our conference or one of the four or so others, that the "Romance Writer's are Here!"

Maggie generated a tremendous amount of publicity for our Utah chapter, and for the Romance Writers of America. Everyone needs a Maggie for their business, of course it doesn't have to be a life sized doll, but something that will make people stop and say 'what's this all about?' This goes for flower shops, and tax service providers a like. Admit it, you have to look at the kid being paid to dance in front of the national pizza chain with the promotional sign.

On to December. Our business offers seasonal gift baskets to corporate accounts. Here are some photos of a recent large order that had to be done all in one night, as the product inside was more perishable than usual. Everyone got in on the act.

The video was just too cute not to share. I own and run a flower shop, but gift baskets are another niche for me. I really enjoy doing them, and I know how to design things, and to order and inventory perishable products, so its another source of income as well as a creative outlet.

I'll be honest, times are tough right now. I could sit down and cry because things are scary. Some might feel justified in doing this. Instead, I'm finding other ways to make a living, going down different avenues if you will. I might have to work harder for it, but business is out there!

Until next time, Annie

I love technology

2008-10-27T21:05:00.000-07:00

I just spent two hours trying to load a video that I shot with a camera that was given to me. I still haven't figured out how to upload it. Too bad, because it was a great flower arranging video. I managed to get one uploaded to YouTube a couple of months ago, but since then something has happened. It just won't work!

Of course the hours that I spend trying to learn the things I can do with all the wonderful technology in the world are spent after work or if they are during work, it's in place of doing other equally or most likely, more important things. The frustrating thing is that I know what the potential is for using these amazing tools for my business, and myself, but I feel as if I'm looking in through the window at the food on the plates in the restaurant and I just can't figure out how to get in. The only thing that separates me and the people at the table only a foot away is a thin yet impenetrable sheet of quarter inch glass.

People in the flower business are pretty good at being "jacks of all trades," and to be so close yet so far away, to use an overused phrase, is quite close to maddening. I'm so used to being able to just pick things up. I've learned a bit of Spanish because I've needed to, I've learned several programs on the computer because I've needed to. I've learned some things about marketing, sales, finances etc., all from the need or desire to do so. All except video on the computer. It still continues to elude me. THESE PRETZELS ARE MAKING ME THIRSTY!

June Flowers

2008-06-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

The month of June is national rose month. It also happens that Father's Day occurs in June.

Yes, Dad's do like to receive flower deliveries. There are many masculine ways to design roses, and they would be perfect for a Dad who appreciates gardening or art.

Well for those of you who still don't think Dad would appreciate the flowers. How about plants?Your local florist can deliver the perfect houseplant or blooming plant to your deserving Dad.

For those of you who really still don't think living things are the right thing for a Father's Day gift, I've included this article with some ideas for Father's Day gifts. Hopefully, these ideas can get your creative juices flowing.

Gift Basket Ideas for MenBy: Lisa DeClue
I'm always on the look out for great Gift Basket Ideas & have come up with a few especially for men. I'm using Home & Garden Party products, but you can easily adapt them to your line or what you have on hand. For the wannabe chef: Fill our Bean Pot with Carr's crackers, smoke flavoring, packetsof chili seasoning & hot sauce. Wrap with cello and a plaid (or coordinating) bow with a masculine tag. He can make great chili with very little work! For the shower: Take a citrus or clean-smelling set of shower gel & lotion, a small wooden handled scrub brush and a rolled wash cloth or two, put in a wire basket from the dollar store and wrap in cello... I suggest our Orange Blossom, Coconut Lime or Spearmint Eucalyptus scents. Coffee Hound: Fill a wire basket with shred, add packets of gourmet coffee/cocoa and our "Life is Good" latte cup. Maybe add a mugwarmer and wrap in a coordinating napkin. Time for our Date: We have some beautiful clocks with dark stain. Wrap one, like our Hideaway Box Clock, in a delicate silk or chiffon scarf with a note inside saying, "Meet me at __________ (place)." Set the time on the clock to the time of your rendezvous!
Article by:
Lisa is a WAHM and decorating consultant in the central Illinois area. Get deco ideas and home décor at Decorating with HGPgal. Submit an article and sign up for our monthly newsletter and contest and check out the DecoForum for tips and answers to your questions. http://www.hgpgal.com/
This article is available for reprint with author's resource box intact and all links live and clickable. Copyright is reserved by author.

Good luck and please visit this blog to comment or visit my website http://www.anniesmainstreetfloral.com/ for the best florist in Layton, Utah.