Flowers – A Source Of Inspiration Since Time Immemorial

The captivating beauty of flowers has always been a source of inspiration and fascination for people of all ages all around the world. Their intoxicating smell and the rainbow of colors, makes them a favorite of those who can appreciate their aesthetic qualities. Whether it is for expressing your love or as a gesture of affection or as a source of inspiration for poets, flowers are an integral part of our lives and are a staple on birthdays, funerals, graduation and weddings. They offer themselves as natural air fresheners, decorative elements, oils and scents, mood enhancers, medicinal herbs, pest repellent and most importantly serve the function of pollination which sustains our ecosystem. But besides being beautiful they also have a special meaning behind them.

 Flowers as a source of Inspiration

“Learn from nature’s beauty. These flowers are not only lovely when they’re in full bloom, but they also have meanings that can encourage and inspire you along life’s journey”, says Jennifer E. Jones, Inspiration Editor and lover of the lotus flower.

Below are some Flowers with their commonly accepted traits: –

Iris – Faith

Have faith. Believe in the impossible and never give up on the dreams of your heart.

Poppy – Imagination

Let your eyes be open to all the different opportunities around you. Dream big!

Lotus – Purity

If you’re feeling washed up and damaged, know that your soul is pure. You’re perfect and whole just the way you are.

Sunflower – Happiness

Find the joy in your life with this happy flower. Take a lesson from the sunflower, stand tall and forever smile!

Orchid – Strength and Beauty

Have confidence and don’t hide in the background. There is strength in your beauty!

Rose – Love

The most beautiful of flowers, the rose inspires us to love each other. Be the very essence of love with your kindness, patience and willingness to endure.

With so many interesting facts and meanings associated with them, it is no wonder that people love growing flowers and look at them as a source of everyday inspiration and personal growth besides using them as decoration for their homes and special occasions. They are refreshing and exotic beautiful entities that have been loved by people all across the world for centuries.

Flower meanings are a source of inspiration for romantic couples as well. Understanding different flower type, the meanings of flowers and what they symbolize can add an emotional or spiritual dimension to your choice in floral arrangements. As a bride you can express your deepest love and intimacy for your groom with your choice of wedding flowers. It is the perfect secret love language just for the two of you.

It’s no wonder why Flowers are nature’s crowning beauty; the longer you gaze at them the stronger they grow onto you.

References:

Send Flowers to U.S.A.

Send Flowers to U.K.

Send Flowers to Phillipines

Send Flowers to Germany

Send Flowers to China

Send Flowers to Australia

35,000 Varieties Of Orchids And Still Counting…

Understanding the hype and fascination around the majestic Orchid.

Exotic flowers the Orchids

In floral gifting, the Orchid variety gets top priority along with the Rose. Although the Rose has a romantic connotation in gifting, it is the Orchid variety that gets preference while sending gifts to family, elders, relatives, friends or for business purposes. Their neutral yet glamorous appeal makes this plant a perfect gift for Birthdays, Anniversaries, Thank You and Congratulation specific occasions. Also owing to its long stem life, serenity, variety, wide price range and availability, is why most people across the world commonly choose to gift an Orchid plant over any other flower. The serenity and purity that loved ones feel upon receiving this mystique delight is no match for any other gift.

For centuries, the orchid has been a symbol of love, luxury and beauty. To the early Greeks, the orchid was a symbol of virility while the Chinese have known it as “the plant of the king’s fragrance.” During the Middle Ages, the orchid was considered an aphrodisiac and was used in love potions. The plant was widely used for many medicinal purposes in ancient times as a cure for heart ailments, coughs and other illness. The Aztecs used to drink a mixture of vanilla orchid and chocolate. They thought it helped give them power and strength. It was sometime during the 18th century when scientist and botanists established the ‘Orchidaceae’ or commonly known Orchid to be the most widely grown and oldest plant on the planet.  Today however, orchids have become an indoor ornamental flowering plant and number One contender in Floral Gifting.

Based on their growth, climate and maintenance they are classified into three main categories namely: epiphytes, lithophytes and terrestrials. However botanists and gardeners are discovering a new hybrid variety every week to make them more suitable to maintain and bloom, this makes the classification in the Orchid family a tedious affair.

Dendrobium and Mokara are among the most popular types of orchid plants. Dendrobiums are mainly in white and purple while Mokaras are available in red, mauve and yellowish brown color scales. These are usually found in Asia and other tropical areas, including the Philippines, Borneo, New Zealand, Australia, and New Guinea. Indoor potted Denbrobium and Phalaenopsis plants are surprisingly easy to look after and make an excellent gifting gesture. The graceful Phalaenopsis or Moth Orchid, is prized for its flaring, oval petals and moon shaped flowers. For this reason, it is one of the most used species in Phalaenopsis hybridizing. Among other types we have the famous Oriental Vanda Orchid – prized for its rare blue coloration, the South American Cattleya – wildly grown in the Amazon rainforests, Jewel Orchids – known for their cluster intrinsic patterns, South African Disa and many more!

Do you have favorite Orchid variety?

References:

Send Orchids to the U.S.A.

Send Orchids to Canada

Send Orchids to Australia

Send Orchids to the U.K.

EID – A Time To Celebrate, Rejoice And Spread Joy

Eid-ul-Fitr, also commonly known as Eid is one of the main festivals of the Muslims but is celebrated with great fervor and enthusiasm by people of all faiths and religions across many nations. This year, the festival of Eid will be celebrated on 20th August 2012 worldwide. After observing an austere and a highly disciplined schedule during the holy month of fasting, Eid is welcomed as the occasion full of celebration and rejoicing. Common greetings during this holiday are the Arabic greeting ‘Eid Mubārak’ (Blessed Eid) or ‘Eid Sa‘īd’ (Happy Eid). In addition, many countries have their own greetings in the local languages – in Turkey, for example, a typical saying might be Bayramınız kutlu olsun or ‘May your Bayram – Eid – be blessed’.  Muslims are also encouraged on this day to forgive and forget any differences with others or animosities that may have occurred during the year. Eid prayers are followed by the Khutba and finally the Dua asking for forgiveness after which it is customary to embrace the persons sitting on your either side and near and dear ones. Eid prayers are very important apart from the five daily prayers and all the Muslims are required to attend the special prayers in mosques.

Eid Hampers by Flora2000

Amongst other traditions of Eid, gifts hold a special significance during this festival and are exchanged in abundance between family, relatives and friends. Eid gifts, including Eidi (money and gifts), are frequently given to children and immediate relatives.

In the fast paced lives that we lead, many of us forget the relevance of celebrating the little joys of what our religion and culture offer. But in major Muslim predominant countries like the Middle East, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa and others, there is a great level of festive spirit and family bonding that takes place during this time of the year. A great way to make one’s presence felt and be a part of the celebrations this Eid is by gifting relevant gifts like a Fruit Basket, Sweets Hampers, Dry Fruits or customized Eid gifts that have Eidi. Family members staying far away from home would ensure that their love and message reaches their family before 20thAugust, which is usually a good time to wish loved ones. At this time of the year the women of the house ensure the home is cleaned well and the personal spaces are lively, since a lot of guests and relatives visit. Therefore a fresh bunch of flowers too would make a good gift and would certainly brighten up their homes.

May this Eid be extremely delightful for and everyone celebrate harmony, warmth and brotherhood in a truly special way. Eid Mubarak!!

References:

Send Eid Gifts to the U.S.A.

Send Eid Gifts to the U.K.

Send Eid Gifts to the U.A.E.

Send Eid Gifts & Flowers to Bahrain

Send Eid Gifts & Hampers to Pakistan

Send Eid Hampers & Gifts to India

If You Have Friends, You Have A Reason To Celebrate Always!

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY

“Without friends no one would choose to live, though he had all other goods.” 

                                                                                                                                                                     – Aristotle

Many celebrated historians, philosophers and poets have written about friends and friendship. Those who have  experienced the power of this supreme bond know how truly special and unique the relation is. For the rest, we have fond memories of the special someone who was there by our side during school fights, who set us up on our first date in college, accompanied us across cities and hiked for miles!

Remember you shared countless beers together, cried on each others’ shoulders, fought over petty issues for days and yet he was your Best man at your wedding, the Godfather of your child. And still after years of being together, there is very little you can say to describe your feelings for this special person. There are many formidable reasons why 5th August is universally celebrated as Friendship Day; but mainly because most of us have rarely managed to express our love, is why we should choose to make this day special for our dearest Friends.

Most of us have heard of legendary friendships like that of Thelma and Louise, Sam and Frodo, Shrek and Donkey, Timone and Pumba, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, Ricky Bobby and Hal, Tommy Boy and Richard, Cheech and Chong, Orestes and Pylades, David and Jonathan, Oprah and Gayle, Paris and Nicole and Demi Lavoto and Selena Gomez. Their stories and controversies have made great headlines, yet years into friendship and still we can never predict which of our friends will stay by our side till the end. Nonetheless every effort put into building the bond is an addition to the beautiful memories of growing up. In fact there is a universally accepted process of How individuals gradually transition in to becoming Friends. It usually starts with a warm gesture, convenience of location, a helpful aid, social networks or outings that bring a group of people together. Reciprocation and trust is the key to building the base for a strong friendship. “The transition from acquaintanceship to friendship is typically characterized by an increase in both the breadth and depth of self-disclosure,” as mentioned by University of Winnipeg sociologist Beverley Fehr, author of Friendship Processes.

This year find your own special way of celebrating the day with your girl friends or buddies. Go beyond the usual e-card and try something different like sending a beer hamper across or gifting a digital photo frame with all your good memories stored in it. Reunite with your high school friends at that local pub you’ll would usually hang out on Friday nights, go bowling or catch up for a movie. If physical distance separates you’ll, log onto a gifting website to choose from a range of items like fancy wine hamper or funky gifts, which will be a sure shot to add a smile on your friends’ face. Leave the rest for your message card and a quick phone call.

And still if you did not manage to do anything at all for your dear friend, shoot a quick sms or mail with a smiley and just say, “Hey.. Happy Friendship’s Day!”

References :-

Send Gifts this Friendship Day to U.S.A. 

Send Gifts this Friendship Day to U.K. 

Send Flowers this Friendship Day to Philippines

What Women Want

A quick guide on the Why,When and What to Gift to Women.

Sigmund Freud once asked, “What do women want?’’. Well, the answer to this mystical and mysterious question is quite simple. All women want is a dash of appreciation, a bucket full of love and a bouquet of breathtaking flowers.

For the many roles that a Woman plays in our life from that of a mother, a wife, a daughter, a sister, an aunt and a friend, there are those many ways in which one can show their affection, gratitude and love in return. Gifts and a personalized message to her on her Birthday or universally accepted occasions like Mother’s Day, Women’s Day or Friendship Day is all that it takes to make up for a years’ worth of love received. It is sure to bring a big warm smile on her face.

Flowers are nature’s most wonderful gifts to mankind, thus you can adorn her home with the freshest flowers of the season, express your love by surprising her in the middle of the night with a huge Gift right next to her bedside, say ‘Thank You‘ with poise by cooking a sumptuous meal for her or follow the simplest ritual of pecking her cheeks in the morning when the sun rises.

Distance may separate us from our Mothers, Sisters or Friends, but technology and the internet have made it extremely convenient to send gifts across the globe to our loved ones. Statistics reveal that 73% of online gifting is done from Men to Women. A good website should offer a variety of gifting items ranging from Flowers, exotic plants, fashion accessories, gourmet hampers, feel good products etc.

A sweet delight or an exquisite hamper never fails to impress any women.

Quick Tips:

Online gifting has made it very convenient to find international brands under all under one roof with delivery worldwide. Choose a website that offers an in-depth variety in products and good assortment of brands, flowers, foods, gifts, etc. This will help you send multiple products and will make your gift look greater than its value.

– Check for ‘Women Gifting’ tabs or ‘For Women’ tabs on the website. There you will find more women centric products or color options which can add the extra zing to your gift and appear more feminine and thoughtful to the receiver.

– Always keep the message on the card warm, personalized and generous. Any women would appreciate love which is explicit and detailed.

– Midnight deliveries are certain to add a surprise element to the overall gifting experience.

– Save up for that one grand gifting affair which is an annual feature in your list of expenditures. The one big fat gift can create a lasting impression on her mind.

– Watch out for ongoing promotions like Sales, Discounts or Promo Codes available on coupon sites, where you can save anywhere between 50% – 75% on your purchase.

To sum it all up; nothing can replace a bouquet of that one exotic flower that is grown at the other end of the world. You may buy it from an online gifting portal but the special woman you gift it to, will surely appreciate the thought and effort behind the gift and adore you for it.

A Gist On Corporate Gifting

History has it that expensive jewels, artillery, animals and other resources were offered by powerful kings and rulers as an ostentatious gesture, either to impressive a princess or while doing trading. The worth of a rule could easily be judged by the nature of gifts he would send. This legacy of relationship building has been handed down to the corporate world where the ‘Customer is King’ and ‘Shareholders are Family’. Today wine hampers, flowers and branded stationery have been accepted world wide as most commonly gifted items for any Corporate. We have seen a whole range of customized gifts like branded note pads, electronic tools, stationery and appliances being considered for gifting purposes. The call is the toughest when sending gifts to your clients and senior management, especially when a deal closure or a big promotion is round the corner. Though time and again, it has been proven that no gift can replace the warm gesture of sending nature’s beautiful wonders like flowers and plants. Among flower varieties, it is observed that Orchids, Lilies and Carnations are preferred for business gifting while the majestic rose is reserved for loved ones. Online gifting trends have shown that Gift Baskets which include a vintage wine and salty snacks, are the growing favorites of the MNCs. Assorted chocolates and sweet delicacies or an Italian Hamper comprising of olive flavored foods and wine, are newer babies entering the market, which has been predominantly ruled by flowers.

Different flowers signify varied meanings; though mostly specific to the country you are sending the gift. In China gifting flowers to Teachers is considered the most popular gesture of saying Thank You . In European nations, flower bunches of a single variety is usually the trend. The Phalaenopsis plant variety; belonging to the Orchid family of flowers, are considered very exotic and expensive in the West and are usually the first preference in USA for senior management and client gifting. Hunt down a bunch of the most exotic flowers or order a plant from across the globe and you’ll earn yourself the compliment and much awaited deal!

Due to budget constraints head offices would cast a clear differentiation in External and Internal Gifting. So while Gift Budgets for key clients, partners, external stakeholders may vary from $100 – $200 USD, employee gifting hits the ceiling at $80 USD. Here customized or unique gifts are sourced for external gifting while standard gifts are circulated across the company. It is a widely accepted practice to indulge in seasonal gifting during Christmas and New Years apart from the usual occasions like Birthdays and Anniversaries.

Tips: With companies expanding business globally, finding the right gifts for your partners in their country becomes a matter of reputation and relationship building. Several hundred websites and companies now specialize in corporate gifting, ensuring utmost attention to detail and customer satisfaction. They can assist in budget allocation, gifting options, packaging and delivering the gift with detailed reports and feedbacks as well.
– The biggest constraints faced are ensuring quality and timely delivery of the gift. Make sure you choose a reliable ecommerce website or agency with a proven track record.
– Choose a central agency with a worldwide reach to ensure standardization and freshest gifts.
– Be sure you have the correct and complete contact details before sending the list of recipients to your gifting agency.
– If your office is located far from the agency, call for physical testing of the gift samples and ask for diverse options from them so you can see the product for yourself.

Be sure you have researched well in advance and make wise decisions in choosing the right Corporate Gift!

View the Flora2000 Business Gifting Catalog

February Rose

Proteas are such an amazing flower. Native to South Africa, the flower can easily live 7-10 days in a fresh arrangement. And, better yet, as it matures, it will dry and look fabulous for months. It keeps its color and form – just gets a little darker and of course, crispy.

The Feminine Touch

Check out the fashion runways for the perfect Valentine’s arrangement. I am loving all the feminine touches in the shows this year. Lacy, textured, beaded and ruffled… dresses, skirts and flowing fabrics…It’s fun to be a girl!!!. Dress up your flowers with a touch of the “runway”. A ruffle of ribbon and a wrap of beads will add a touch of glamour to a vase of favorite blossoms. Think pink, think ruffles and think like a girl!!!

The Feminine Touch  Blog Copy

The message is in the flowers

February is the month of love and nothing says, “I love you” better than flowers. The whisper of a single rose is so romantic. Or, an exuberant vase of roses and other fragrant flowers shouts to the world, I LOVE YOU!!!

The-Message  Blog Copy

Contemporary Beauty

Orchids and roses are so elegant together. My favorite, the Black Magic rose is stunning with the garnet red Arachnid orchid. Designed in unique, wired cylinders, they are sure to be the center of attention and topic of conversation. I’ll tell you a little secret: The flowers are in individual tubes so you can easily replace them long after they have stayed. Now you know one of the professional tricks utilized to create your beautiful arrangements.

Contemporary Beauty