With Mother’s Day so quickly approaching,there is something I just have to say!
I love my mothers!!!
My birth mother is a wonderful woman who works diligently to make life better for children in Yashkino (Russia).
My mother-in-law is one of the most kind and caring individuals I have ever met – and she raised (at least) one of the most amazing sons I could possibly imagine (my dear husband!).
Last,but certainly not least,I love Mother Earth!!! I love nature! Being outdoors inspires and energizes me. The astonishing variety of flowers that mother (nature) creates makes my job an absolute delight –beauty that completely boggles my mind!!! If I were not me,I would envy me the opportunity that I have to bring together some of mother’s most beautiful creations to honor significant events in our lives.
… but where much is given! I am an ardent believer in giving back to our mothers! Taking care of the beauty that Mother Nature bestows upon us with such generosity – and working to improve in at least some small ways – isn’t this something we all can do? Learning of the often devastating footprint we leave on the Earth breaks my heart,and challenges me to be more mindful of how I run my business and how I run my life!
Today I would like to share with you a few principles that I am working to incorporate into my business:
I have significantly reduced the amount of floral foam I use in my designs,as it can not be recycled and may be damaging to our health and to the environment. Here are the links where you can read why floral foam is unhealthy to humans and unhealthy for wild life
By offering to provide vase rentals for weddings and events,I can not only help brides to lower their budget (or get more flowers for the same budget!),we also keep the vases out of our local landfill,as I can often reuse them many times. This reduces strain on the environment.
I prefer to work with growers who reuse boxes,and do NOT use boxes lined with styrofoam (as it can not be recycled).
Instead of dumping the water I use to store and care for flowers,I use this water on our lawn and plants (we do live in a desert,after all).
I reuse or recycle all of the packaging materials used in the shipping of the flowers and supplies.
I now make sure that all of my marketing materials are printed with the environment in mind (business cards that are printed on recycled paper,use of electronic media rather than paper media when possible). My newest business cards will be printed so that they can be planted – to grow a beautiful flower!
I print business documents on both sides of the paper.
I recommend to my clients that we not use feathers or fur in their arrangements out of respect for our bird and animal brothers and sisters!
The next step that I am working on to improve my business and my life? To compost all of the organic materials that are left over from my work – flower stems,petals and leaves!
What eco – friendly practices do you use in your business and everyday life?
Everyone has a GREAT mom…but who has a COOL mom?!? TELL US ABOUT HER AND YOU COULD WIN A PERFECT MOTHER’S DAY GIFT FOR HER!
Create a post on our Facebook page telling us the ONE “cOoLeSt” thing she has ever done for you. That’s it. The post with the most “Likes” wins a beautiful floral arrangement AND a one year subscription to ELAN WOMAN MAGAZINE for your fabulous MOM.
THE PRIZES:
A Beautiful Floral Arrangement with a combination of the winner’s favorite flowers (Value $75.00) from MY FAVORITE FLOWERS
1. Visit (and like) My Favorite Flowers on facebook (click here).
2. Visit (and like) Elan Woman Magazine on facebook (click here).
3. Go to the My Favorite Flowers Facebook Page and post a picture of your nomination for the COOLEST MOM or tag her in your post. Then write a few words telling us why she is the COOLEST Mother EVER (click here)
4. Post on your facebook wall,send a message to your friends,text everyone you know,Twitter your followers,and tell the world to vote for the wonderful woman who you nominated to win. They can do this by first, like the My Favorite Flowers Facebook Page and then second, Like Your Post.
And there you go!!! Four easy steps… the MOM post with the most “LIKES” wins!
THE RULES:
- You can nominate only one person - You can nominate any mother –your Mom,Wife,Sister,Grandmother or Friend –any woman who has been a mother to others. - The contest will run from April 30th – May 6th - The winner will be announced on May 9th - Prizes can not be redeemed for cash - The floral arrangement can only be delivered within 25 miles of St George,UT.
I love working on styled photo shoots,as it is a great way to showcase your work,your style and your creativity. I revel in diversity and a good challenge –it’s also a lot of fun and a wonderful learning experience! Brainstorming with other professionals who are involved in the shoot can lead to an amazing collaboration.
Last year I was involved in several different photo shoots:we worked in the rain,we did a full set-up in the middle of a stream,we did multiple editorial shoots for magazines,and one of the shoots was done in freezing condition at 5 o’clock in the morning (we needed to wake up at 3 a.m. and drive 40 minutes to the location). I even had the opportunity to be involved in an international destination photo shoot with a group of professionals who were planning everything on the spot,without knowing what to expect from the location,nor from the other team members. All of the props were gathered based on luck and intuition.
Anyway,here are some behind the scenes pictures of us working together as wedding professionals to create something beautiful and hopefully,to have a great deal of fun in our work.
Last December I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in a styled photo shoot in collaboration with Mike Colon,Robert Evans,Christopher Confero (Confero Design) and Ceci Johnson (Ceci New York). What a wonderful experience it was to work with these amazing nationally known wedding professionals.
This shoot was a part of the Inspire Smart Success Conference – a masterpiece event where Stacie Francombe brought together so many creative and successful wedding industry professionals. I loved being a part of this amazing experience.
Buffet table decor can add so much to your event! When your guests come to your wedding reception and first see the beautiful buffet table setting it is really great to hear “Ohhhhs,and Ahhhhs!”
These days many caterers,chefs and event hosts put more thought and creativity into creating memorable buffets or food stations at their events. A buffet table setting actually becomes a part of your wedding or event décor.
Here are a few tips on how to enhance your buffet table decor with flowers:
- Depending on the size of the table,place one in the middle or an arrangement at each end.
- Flowers arranged in a tall slim vase or topiary are a wonderful choice for a buffet table:they are tall,striking and they don’t take much space.
- Use your ceremony décor as part of the buffet table décor. Ask in advance for your florist or a family member to help you transport the flowers from the ceremony to the reception site.
- If your buffet table is placed against a wall – ask your florist to place most of the beautiful flowers facing the front of the arrangement,as the back will not be visible,thus saving you money while dazzling your guests.
Have questions about your wedding flowers? Give us a call at 435.680.2914 or email olga{@} myfavoriteflowers.com
Last December my hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary,and it was one of the highlights of our trip to Cancun,Mexico.
We both absolutely love to explore the unique and authentic culture of the places we visit. We aren’t satisfied with seeing only the places found in the “tour guides.”
My first night in Cancun I spent sleeping on the beach by the ocean (LOVE ocean) and feeding local birds.
Even as a child growing up in Russia I was fascinated by Native American peoples and cultures,and have always wanted to know more about the Mayans.
But before going any further,I need to tell you that if you decide to rent a car (as we did) make sure that you also get a GPS (on our arrival we decided to visit an authentic market in Cancun and …. got lost,VERY lost! So,after driving around and around my hubby finally set aside his pride and decided to ask someone for directions. Fortunately he speaks Spanish,and so could ask for help – which elicited some deep chuckles,a lengthy set of instructions,and the recommendation that we then stop and ask for more help,because we had strayed VERY far from where we wanted to be!!!! When our good friend learned of where we had gotten to,she had a good laugh and asked how in the world we had gotten so lost!
Our first introduction to Mexican culture was when we visited a market that is used primarily by the local residents:“Market 28”. It felt like breathing in lungs full of the Mexican culture. It was really very interesting,as I noted to myself some of the striking similarities between the markets that we have in parts of Russia and this market in Mexico.
Our next (and most) amazing experience was when we visited the “Jungle Spa” –which is literally located in the jungle. “The Jungle Spa is part of the non-profit Lu’um K’aa Nab that offers Mayan Massages provided by local Mayan Women. Massages are a part of their indiginous culture and they have been doing them since they were young girls in their villages. They use their intuition to guide them. They have years of experience and are internationally known for their massages.The setting is in the tropical jungle.” Sandra told us of working for many years in tourism,and of watching the destruction that this industry often causes to the indigenous cultures. As she anticipated the killing of the beautiful jungles and wildlife to build fancy resorts – she didn’t want to be a part of it anymore and so bought a piece of jungle to preserve it for future generations. GOOD FOR HER!!! She also wanted to preserve a part of the native Mayan culture and protect the young Mayan women who are often exploited. She talked about how the young girls are employed in the resorts,and often become pregnant during the course of their employment. She recognized that they could no longer work at the resorts,and could not support their young families working in their home villages,and so has created the Jungle Spa as a place where they can work and earn enough to raise their children. She reports that:“The women’s hands are blessed with the gift from Gods. They have been given the “DON”or “HEALING HANDS”and they will work magic on your body. The Jungle Spa is operated by the non-profit organization,Lu’um K’aa Nab,directed by Sandra A. Dayton. The Spa was created so that the local women could benefit from the tourists coming to the area and make money for their families. We want visitors to experience a fabulous,unforgettable Mayan massage for less then half of what they could pay at a 5 star resort. A win,win situation for everyone and where cross culltural friendships are made.” Our experience with them was far beyond amazing and powerful – 90 minutes of full body deep tissue massage by 4 hands followed by,a 30 minute Aloe Vera wrap using Aloe that is grown on the property. These girls were serious – we left them with the feeling that we had been reborn. Paul was so relaxed that he could hardly even speak!
As we drove through the remarkable town of Puerto Morelos we were able to observe a celebration,and Paul enjoyed exploring the culture and architecture of this amazing area as I wasted the time playing,no,I mean working on my “smart” phone.
Our next adventure was a full day trip to a Mayan ruins. Ek Balam was built in the Maya Classic Period and has a grand central pyramid,two large palaces,and numerous other temples and buildings. While not as well known or large Chichen Itza,Xel-Ha,Tulum or Uxmal,Ek Balam has the distinct advantage of NOT being crowded! We could climb the pyramid (something not allowed at the larger sites) and could explore in an unhurried fashion. Paul climbed to the top,but I stopped a little from the top,as I have a great fear of heights. “I did make it much further than I thought I would!” It was an amazing view: “The effect is almost mystical with restored buildings pushing out of the huge mounds of rubble and jungle undergrowth.” Sliding down on my butt was an interesting part of the adventure – but I really enjoyed the amazing view from where I decided to have a little recovery from my dizziness.
Our dinning experience in Mexico was fantastic. Although the tourist guide had a lot of options for American restaurants ( do you really need to come to Mexico from America to try American food?) ,we preferred to try traditional Mexican food. My favorite experience was at the hotel El Meson del Marques.
I would love to go back to Mexico and explore more of the local culture and spend more time in the jungle (especially the spa!). Who wants to join?
Two weeks ago I shared with you two peach wedding inspiration boards that Tricia (the Bride) shared with me when she and I met for our first floral appointment. Tricia’s vision of her wedding day was so artistic and very detailed.
For her Bridal bouquet Tricia wanted to use:peach Gerbera,ivory and peach Roses,ivory mini Calla Lilies,peach spray Roses and we also included a lot of brooches to create an enchanted look for this gorgeous bouquet.
For the centerpieces and the wedding cake table décor we decided to use three different shades of Carnations arranged in a clear glass cylinder vases filled with real peaches.
A Manzanita tree with peaches fixed on the branches was definitely an eye catching component of the buffet table arrangement.
It was a delightful experience working with Tricia to design florals for her special day.
We love working with Orchids – they are such a sophisticated flower that it is no wonder that many Brides absolutely love having Orchids at their weddings.
It is no secret that having fresh flower arrangements for the centerpieces,buffet table and ceremony décor can be very costly,especially if you use expensive flowers such as Orchids.
My Favorite Flowers is now offering Orchid plant arrangement rentals for your wedding day or special event. What could be more exciting than that?
For a reasonable rental fee you will receive:
- High quality Orchid Plant Centerpiece (choose from a variety of colors)
- Different styles are available for the arrangement::modern,vintage,organic and etc.
- It’s a great idea if you want to have an eco friendly wedding as all plants and containers are reusable
- There are a variety of containers to choose from
- Custom look for your wedding flowers
Here you can see some of the table setting ideas with the Orchids that we have done.
Want your wedding flowers to look unique and sophisticated? Call My Favorite Flowers at 435.680.2914 to receive a custom quote and personalized attention.
Spring is such a beautiful time of the year! All of nature is waking up from the winter dream and sharing with us so many joyous colors and spring flower varieties:Irises, Daffodils, Tulips, Lilac, Hyacinths, blooming branches and more.
Some flowers have a very interesting legend, for example –Hyacinths:
An ancient Greek legend describes the origin of the Hyacinth. Two of the gods, Apollo and Zephyr, adored a handsome young Greek called Hyakinthos. Apollo was teaching Hyakinthos the art of throwing a discus.
Zephyr,who was the god of the west wind, was overwhelmed with jealousy and he blew the discus back. It struck Hyakinthos on the head and killed him. From his blood grew a flower, which the sun god Apollo named after him. (Source:theflowerexpert.com)
I would like to share with you some of the beautiful spring bridal bouquets that we arranged in the past. If you are getting married this Spring, call us at 435.680.2914 to talk about your favorite flowers – the ones that you would like to have included in your bouquet and other floral arrangements.
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