All is calm....

It's been a fast and furious few weeks, for which I am so grateful!  And now that the craziness has passed and things are calm, it gives me time to reflect.

With our big sale the last 3 weeks, the store has been filled with happy shoppers, and every single one of them (well, with one exception...and I think she was just having a really bad day!) has been filled with a cheerful holiday spirit!  It was truly inspiring to see so many happy people!  Many friends popped in to say hello and extend their greeting for a happy holiday, and there were new faces and new friends made along the way. 

It always makes me so thankful to be a florist, despite the pine sap, holly pokes, and rough dry skin!

Thank you to all who have supported my little shop this year....I realize you have many choices as to how you spend your hard earned dollars, and I am truly appreciative that you chose to spend some with me. 

Wishing you all a blessed Christmas spent with those you love. 

MJ♥

Open House!

It's beginning to look ALOT like Christmas!  And some of Virginia's locally owned, independent businesses are having their holiday open houses on Saturday, November 10th.  Many will be offering specials, treats, and inspiration for helping you with your holiday!  Pick up a flier at your first stop...visit every shop on the list and get your flier initialed or punched by each store...and turn it in at your last stop to be entered in a drawing for a gift basket valued at $200.00!  Be sure to support these locally owned businesses this season...we support the community you live in!

              

Here's a sneak peek at some of the treasures you'll find at Virginia Floral!

Hope to see you on Saturday!

 

old dog...new tricks

It's true.
You can teach an old dog new tricks.

No, I'm not an "old dog" by any means....

But in the floral industry, I would certainly be considered an "old timer"...I've been working in the industry for over 40 years, so I passed the "rule of 90" a   L O N G   time ago! 

I have learned the long standing, tried and true methods of creating intricate designs from seasoned veterans, the methods that are still used by florists today.

But there is this thing called progress.

The floral industry is no exception...and it has made huge advances in technology over the last decade.  Good changes. 
They have made it possible to create things that are beyond your imagination!
They have made things easier, less time consuming, stronger, and opened up a whole new world of design....IF you are willing to learn about the new techniques, new products, and new ideas. 

I'll be making a another trip to the big city this weekend for the third time in as many months to learn new design techniques...with another session scheduled the following weekend. 
I've been amazed at the possibilities that have been presented to me thus far!

Yes, this "old dog" can learn new tricks! 
The old brain still works...and I am loving it!
♥

Breathe deep....

"Long breath, long life. Short breath, short life. No breath, death."
- The Tao of Breath

Have you ever stopped to think about breathing?  I know when I am stressed, my breathing is short – sometimes I even forget to take a breath!  When I am happy, it’s easy.  When I am calm, it is long and quiet.  And when I am sick…well, forget about it!  I'm too busy coughing, wheezing and sneezing!

I never thought much about how different scents influence me, because I always have beautiful scents around me in the flower shop.  But I recently had the opportunity to learn more about how much our health and wellbeing can be influenced by what we breathe, from a company called Aromafloria.  I was intrigued by what I was learning, and decided to carry some of their products.  We can all benefit from what Mother Nature provides for us!

“A flower’s fragrance declares to all the world that it is fertile, available and desirable […] Its smell reminds us in vestigial ways of fertility, vigor, life-force, all the optimism, expectancy and passionate bloom of youth.  We inhale its ardent aroma and, no matter what our ages, we feel young and nubile in a world aflame with desire.” 

-1948 Diane Ackerman

"Mother Nature’s pharmacy of natural, herbal remedies can effectively treat both physical and mental conditions by mere inhalation.  Our state of mind and sense of balance can be influenced through our sense of smell.  The quality of air we breathe is essential to how we feel and to our health.  Our everyday environments are filled with air loaded with organisms that affect our bodies, resulting in sore throats, congestions, colds and flu, allergies and other airborne diseases.  Through simple rituals in inhalation, we can protect ourselves against the environments we can’t control and maintain a healthy body and mind." *

Aromafloria has developed specific Inhalation Beads based on the rituals of inhalation.  It’s the perfect aromatherapy for a life on-the-go. * 

Whether you’re suffering from stress, symptoms of the cold and flu, sinus issues, or having trouble falling asleep…there is a simple, organic, wonderful aide in relieving what ails you, and it's as simple as breathing.  Stop in and let me show you this product.  I love it!  ♥

Learn more about aromatherapy!

 *from the Aromafloria website.

Time to make the donuts...

donuts? 

yes, donuts.

Each year when the week of Mother's Day rolls around, that phrase comes out of my mouth automatically.  Reminiscent of the commercial;  the alarm goes off much too early, my feet swing out of bed, I try to wake up...and the words utter from my lips, followed by a sigh..and a smirk:  "time to make the donuts".

It's a long, long week at the flower shop... with many hours spent creating beautiful bouquets for Mothers, Grandmothers, and other "special women". 

When it comes to Mother's Day, there just is no gift quite like a bouquet of fresh, beautiful, fragrant flowers.

Don't forget to order your bouquet early!  
And it's okay to send it a little early too...couldn't you use some extra bragging rights?
♥

Mother's Day Treasures!

Mother's are special!
And it doesn't matter how old you are, how old your Mother is... there is just no replacing MOM.
She is the quintessential meaning of the word "Love"

Choosing a gift for your Mom is fun at Virginia Floral!

Here's a few ideas for some wonderful Mother's Day gifts for your one in a million MOM!

funky jewelry!

jewelry sets

chunky jewelry!

watches

lots of scarves!

outdoor decor

garden accessories!

lots of lanterns!

hanging metal cones

gorgeous orchids!

in different colors!

and different types!

sweet little planters

and unusual plants!

and sweet little bugs...

Stop by and see all the lovely treasures we have for you to choose from!

All this, and gorgeous flowers, too!

Whatever you choose...MOM will LOVE it!!

♥

more PROM!

Crazy week!

Painting and cleaning over the weekend.
Funerals, funerals, and more funerals.
Delivery guy quit.
Friend to the rescue!
More PROMS!
Sticky fingers...

Times change and you have to get with the program or stay behind.
Took a class...did experiments...liked the results.
Glue is the way to go, and so now I have sticky fingers.
Magnets replace pins, and lots of sparkly ribbon, wire, gems, and even feathers are hot additions.
Uff da...
But here are a few of the beauties!

So another Prom season comes to an end, just in time to gear up for Mother's Day.
YAY!
♥

had enough?

Winter.

Still hangin' on in April...

Yuck.

I'm so glad that I can walk through my garden each day!

Had enough?

Come and walk through my garden!

It looks like spring.  It smells like spring.

You're welcome any day...

♥