The Perfect Outdoor Wedding in America's Cleanest City

Are you living in Miami and planning your wedding? Living in such an ideal city - ranked “America’s Cleanest City” for its year-round good air quality, vast green spaces, clean drinking water, clean streets, and city-wide recycling program, plus beautiful beaches on the Atlantic Ocean - you have an abundance of options when it comes to planning where the ceremony and reception will be held – but, have you ever contemplated having an outdoor wedding? Outdoor weddings are romantic and beautiful, and due to Miami’s true tropical climate, you are able to plan a picture-perfect wedding, basically year-round. Miami tends to have hot, humid summers, and warm winters – a wedding outside is usually always possible – although the city can sometimes experience cold fronts from late October to March. But, we have provided you with all the steps to planning an outdoor wedding in Miami year-round.

Miami is also the floral hub of North America, with 32,000 boxes of flowers being shipped into the Miami airport everyday. If you are looking for Miami flower delivery for your wedding you are definitely in the right city, since you will have access to the freshest flowers from a multitude of growers. You will be able to host your wedding in one of Miami’s lush outdoor venues, and decorate accordingly with fresh cut floral arrangements.

Ten Tips for the Perfect Outdoor Wedding
1. Make your guests comfortable: Consider what the weather will be like based on the time of day and the time of year you plan to have your wedding. If it is sunny and hot, don’t leave your guests uncomfortably melting, have ushers serve your guests ice-cold bottles of water when they are seated. Other ideas include having your wedding program double as a fan to cool guests off; plus, have plenty of sunscreen on hand for guests to slather on their bare shoulders, arms, or backs. You could also consider renting large electric fans to cool off guests (remember: you would need to rent a generator too) or you can use a tent to shade the sun rays and provide some heat relief. If your wedding is going to be on a cooler, damp day, make sure to tell your guests to bring extra layers – you might even want to have lap blankets on hand, or rent portable heaters.

2. Have a backup plan: What are you going to do if you wake up the day of your wedding and see threatening rain clouds hanging overhead? The ideal outdoor location (which we will discuss later) would also have an indoor location on site too, just in case of inclement weather. If your location doesn’t have indoor facilities too you can rent a tent, as another option, but this only works for light to moderate rain. A heavy rain will soak the ground underneath, leaving guests with soggy shoes. Also: make sure that any tent you rent is sturdy so it won’t flip over. Thick, weighted sides also help ensure the tent is sturdy.

3.Plan for wind: Planning for wind is also part of having a backup plan. Many outdoor wedding unfortunately suffer from windy conditions; so in order to ensure that things still run smoothly avoid light fabrics like chiffons and china silks in your dress and the bridesmaid’s dresses. When you are getting your hair styled for your big day make sure to tell your stylist that you are having an outdoor wedding, this way they are able to style your hair accordingly.

4. Can everybody hear?: When you picture your dream wedding at the beach, you probably aren’t envisioning the roar of the ocean waves, the rushing of the wind, and the local kids running and screaming about. Therefore, you should look into renting a sound system with clip mikes for the bride, groom, and officiant. Your DJ or band (if you are having one) may be able to set this up for you.

5. Decorations: One of the wonderful advantages to having an outdoor wedding is the natural beauty that surrounds your venue. Due to this natural beauty, you don’t need to invest so much in decorating – perhaps, only chair ties, and flowers are needed. Other decorations you may want to consider are: an arch or trellis to focus on the ceremony and frame the bride and groom as they say their vows, strings of lights or lanterns in the trees, or torches.

6.Make things tasty outside: Does your caterer have experience planning an outdoor wedding menu? This is probably something you want to check. Make sure they are planning dishes that will keep well outdoors in the heat. Avoid foods that contain mayonnaise or dishes which must be served cold.

7.Don’t leave your guests parched: As previously stated have your ushers hand out ice-cold water bottles to guests as they are seated for the ceremony. Also consider serving a variety of lemonades, teas, and punches, instead of alcohol, which is dehydrating. Be sure to have plenty of ice and cold water around too. If you are serving cocktails, serve fancy drinks like mint julep or a mojita – the mint will refresh and cool your guests.

8.Those pesky flying things: Be sure to put out citronella candles or a bug zapper so your guests won’t spend the ceremony swatting at the air.
9.Here comes the sun: Consider timing your outdoor wedding for sunset where your guests will see you take your vows surrounded by the warm glow of the sun. If you are having a daytime ceremony, however, orient the ceremony so that the sun will be on the guests’ backs, not in their eyes.

10.Permits: Don’t forget to contact your city parks department or other local government to get a permit for an outdoor wedding. Be sure to ask about the rules surrounding trash removal, candle or torch lighting, and pre-wedding photographs.

Well, there you have it – the top ten tips/things to remember when you are planning an outdoor wedding. Although these weddings come with additional caveats and pitfalls, if you follow these tips you will be sure to shine on your wedding day.

And as promised, here is a list of the ten more popular (and beautiful) places to have an outdoor wedding in Miami, Florida.
-The Zen House
-Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
-Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden
-Koubek Mansion and Gardens
-Miami Shores Country Club
-Coral Gables’ Venetian Pool
-Fastrack Charters
-Kovens Conference Centre at Florida International University
-Grand Salon Reception Hall
-Birdside Bouquet Hall

Bloomex is an online floral retailer, who sells fresh flowers for a fraction of the cost that traditional retailers offer. This is due to Bloomex's unique business model. Instead of operating a retail store, Bloomex is available online and via telephone only; this means they save money on retail set-up and are able to pass these savings on to their customers. And Bloomex is a national retailer, they are able to ship flowers all across the United States (and Canada too). So, if you want Miami flower delivery, it is easily available right at your fingertips.

In September 2009, Bloomex opened a warehouse in Miami, Florida, right in the centre of the floral industry, which allows them to ship flowers with ease throughout Florida and the rest of the United States. Whether you are looking for Orlando flower delivery, or Fort Lauderdale flower delivery, you are able to get it from Bloomex.

So now that Bloomex is situated in the hub of the floral industry, it is time for us to examine what has made Miami earn this title. Statistics do not lie - 85 percent of Colombian and Ecuadorean fresh-cut flowers are brought into the United States via Miami. But what happens once the flowers get to Miami? The flower industry is highly fragmented, and is divided into five main
businesses: 1. Producers, 2. Importers, 3. Wholesale/Distributors, 4. Bouquet Makers, and 5. Retailers. By the time that the flowers arrive in Miami they are in the second stage of the business: the importers. It is estimated that approximately two-thirds of flowers sold into the United States come through Miami. This equals approximately 32,000 boxes of flowers arriving at the Miami International Airport everyday. As a result of the massive quantities of flowers being sent into the US everyday, people seem to be happily purchasing beautiful bouquets for family and friends. The retail value of the floricultural industry is estimated to be $19 billion a year in the USA, with approximately $9.5 billion in fresh-cut flowers. The most recent data from
2002 shows that 27.7% of American households were buying flowers at least once during the year.

There are the facts; can you draw your own conclusion? Since most of the flowers are shipped from either Colombia or Ecuador it is most logical to ship them to a city that is close to the south of the United States; it works out to be cheaper for everyone. The cheaper the flowers can be shipped here, the cheaper florists can sell them, especially if you order with Bloomex, who is able to offer the lowest prices, on quality fresh-cut flowers, and the more money, as a result, stays in your pocket.

What is the easiest way to make money in your opinion? Everyone needs it, and usually you work hard for it, but what if you were able to make 11% of the sale simply by adding a banner to your website? Seems like a good deal, doesn’t it?

Join Bloomex’s affiliate program and soon begin making $7.00 or more each time someone buys flowers after clicking on your banner ad. Our large selection of flowers and gifts with the best prices means consumers are more likely to purchase from us; this will create an income for you!

Sign up today and let the dollars start rolling in: http://programs.affiliatebot.com/BloomexFreshCutFlowers

Cancer I did not give you the right,
To invade my body and take a bite.
This is my body and with all my might,
I will prevail with one hell of a fight.
To the cancer inside,
I will battle and kill.
For that is my body’s God given will.
To my cancer, these words I do send,
Your life is short and near the end.
-A poem contributed by a visitor of Healing Cancer Naturally

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October since 1985 to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its causes, prevention, and cure.
Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. It is considered a heterogeneous disease since it differs by individual, age group, and even the kinds of cells within the tumor themselves. A breast cancer diagnosis does not always mean an end – it is the beginning of learning how to fight, getting the facts, and finding hope.

AstraZeneca, the drug manufacturer for breast cancer prescriptions founded the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in 1985; their aim was to promote that regular mammograms were the most effective weapon to fight against breast cancer.

In the United States, in 2009, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors. Women in the USA get breast cancer more than any other type except skin cancer. It is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in women. Each year it is estimated that nearly 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in the USA, and of those 200,000 women, more than 40,000 will die. Approximately 1700 men will also be diagnosed and 450 will die. (Source)

In Canada, in 2009, breast cancer was also the most common cancer among Canadian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). An estimated 22,700 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 5400 will die. An estimated 180 men will be diagnosed and 50 will die. On average, 437 Canadian women will be diagnosed with breast cancer each week, and 104 women will die every week due to the disease. In Canada, the probability of developing breast cancer is 1 in 9 women, and the probability of dying is 1 in 28. (Source)

In an attempt to significantly decrease these devastating statistics, each October races and walks are organized all over the world to raise money for cancer research. In Canada, “Run for the Cure” is organized in several cities. Sunday October 4, 2009, the “Run for the Cure” was held in the nation’s capital. Volunteer run director, Kelly Fry said the event attracted 8500 people, raising about $1.5 million.

Also throughout the month of October, people host theme parties or “pink days” (where employees wear pink clothing or accessories) to work. The money raised is donated to the organizers’ choice of breast cancer care or research program.

Companies also get involved in the pink ribbon campaign (the international symbol for breast cancer awareness and prevention) by emblazing their products with pink ribbons, the colour pink or otherwise the promise that a portion of the cost is donated to breast cancer awareness and research.

In August of 2008 Bloomex launched a partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society in the fight against cancer. And from that partnership the Give Hope Collection was born. The Give Hope Collection was implemented using 12 of Bloomex’s top-selling products. For each arrangements sold, 10 percent of the proceeds is donated to the Canadian Cancer Society in support of cancer research. Each month there is a featured arrangement, and 15 percent of the proceeds from this product will be donated. Plus each arrangement has a special tag informing the recipient that the sender is a supporter of the Canadian Cancer Society.

The cost of cancer is immeasurable – both in terms of the lives that are affected by the disease and the economic cost of cancer. Bloomex is proud that every dollar donated to the Society through this partnership will help make a difference in the fight against cancer. To date, Bloomex customers have helped raise $35,000 for the Canadian Cancer Society.
Help us find a cure!

For more information:
Canadian Cancer Society
American Cancer Society
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

FIVE GREAT PLACES TO BUY IN BULK
By Dayanti Karunaratne, The Ottawa Citizen September 26, 2009


1. PRESTON HARDWARE
248 Preston St.,
613-230-7166, www.prestonhardware.com

Why it's great: Offers items in bulk you'd usually have to pay for in packaged quantities, such as nails, rope, wine corks and window screening. "We still have that old-fashioned hardware store, says owner Fred Gianeti, "but with the modern stuff." For big projects,
you can even buy nails by the pound.
Tip: To prepare floors for the rain and snow, pick up some rubberized mat ($2.99 per foot) in whatever length your hallway requires.

2. HERB & SPICE
375 Bank St.,
613-232-4087

Why it's great: The product list is really the selling point here. In the dry bins, there's candy like black licorice and fruit gummies, as well as all sorts of pasta, flour, and other grain products. Don't miss the honey and nut closet, where you can refill containers with local honey and various nut butters. In short, it's the perfect place to experiment with spelt flour or try out a dollop of almond butter.
Tip: If you bring your own containers, remember to ask cash register staff to weigh them before you fill up.

3. ARBOUR ENVIRONMENTAL SHOPPE
800 Bank St.
613-567-3168 www.arbourshop.com

Why it's great: A Glebe institution since the early 1990s, all products are biodegradable and made in Toronto. Products include dish soap and laundry detergent (liquid and powder), tile cleaner, fabric softener and glass cleaner, all with savings of about 10 per cent off pre-packaged units.
Tip: In addition to the usual detergents, Arbour also sells oven cleaner. Throw out the mask and long rubber gloves: none of their products contain ammonia or chlorine.

4. Bloomex Flowers wholesale department
9 Capella Crt.
613-216-0970 www.flowerswholesale.ca

Why it's great: They take out the middle man to bring event planners and DIY brides big savings on flowers, all from a small office in west Ottawa. Request a free quote online, then consult with industry experts on vase styles and arrangement tips. While the minimum order is $100, there are no stipulations on stems, so if you want a room full of roses and one single calla lily, Phil Cragg of Bloomex Flowers is your man.

Tip: Check out their blog, www.bunchesdirect.com/wholesale-flowers-guide/ for video guides on tying Gerber daisies, the meaning behind white roses, and more.

5. SANDY HILL ECO-GROCERY
317 Wilbrod St.,
613-321-0150, www.sandyhillpetfood.ca

Why it's great: Shopping at this natural food store supports a worker's co-operative, which in turn makes a point of buying local and fair-trade products. This hidden gem is also a hub of activity within the community, with area artists displaying wares at the rear and a table set up for education. Plus, the bulk department includes gravity dispensers that beat out awkward scoop bins every time.
Tip: While buying into this co-op is not mandatory, a membership (three months for five bucks) will shave 10-15 per cent off your bill.

© Copyright (c) The Ottawa Citizen

Top Ten Reasons to Send Your Girlfriend Flowers:

1. You will get out of doing the dishes.
2. They are cheaper than jewelry.
3. She may forget that you always leave the seat up (although, as a girl living with her boyfriend, they would have to be pretty amazing flowers, like these, for me to forget that).
4. At least a one day reprieve from hearing: “Do I look fat?”
5. She may let you watch the game for longer than 10 minutes (I let my boyfriend watch all umpteen hours of UFC last night).
6. It is far more effective than “Sorry” (actions speak louder than words!).
7. You are guaranteed at least one nag-free day.
8. It sure beats sitting through the newest chick flick.
9. You won’t look like such a cheapskate.
10. Two word: DAMAGE CONTROL.

Bloomex makes it easy, with dozens of gorgeous bouquets and arrangements to choose from, and with $12.50 off any product this week to celebrate National Flower Week, there has never been a better time to show your girlfriend how much you care than right now.

This offer is valid until Friday September 18, 2009 at noon, online only at Bloomex Canada. Discount code: flowerwk09.

Whether you are in Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Halifax, or anywhere else in Canada, send your girlfriend some flowers. I guarantee it will make her feel like a million bucks, and as you can see, you will reap in the benefits as well.

Roses represent love, while chrysanthemums portray hope; daisies are traditional, while orchids are exotic and wild. With so many flowers to choose from, you can no doubt find a flower to match the message you want to send whether it is ‘love’, ‘gratitude’, or ‘friendship’. If you are too timid to show someone special how you feel, you know that flowers will always do the trick and express your innermost feelings.

Due to all their hard work, flowers deserve a celebration, and a celebration they receive; a whole weeks worth!

Needless to say, we want to celebrate our favourite holiday. In honour of National Flower Week (September 13-18) we are offering you $12.50 off any product on our site. Share in the joy of the season and send someone special a beautiful bouquet or arrangement. Let the flowers, once again, do the talking and you can reap in the rewards.

Enter the discount code: flowerwk09 when ordering to receive this great celebratory discount. Orders must be placed by Friday September 18 at noon. Offer valid online only.

If April Showers Bring May Flowers, What Month Brings Enough Money to Afford these Flowers?
Bloomex Implements Wholesale Flower Distribution Centre in Miami, Florida

OTTAWA, September 2009 – As of September 2009, Bloomex is adding to their ever-increasing distribution channels with the opening of a warehouse in Miami, Florida, which will provide distribution of wholesale flower orders to anywhere in the United States. Emerging as forerunners in the floral industry, Bloomex is embarking on their next adventure through the sale of wholesale flowers. This location in Miami will allow Bloomex to sell into an untraditional market within the United States, something that they have been doing for the past two years in Canada.

The wholesale market, which Bloomex implemented in December of 2007, is an ever-increasing area of sales for the company. Phil Cragg, Corporate Sales at Bloomex says, “It is an easy way for the consumer to access wholesale pricing saving money for any big event. We have seen a huge trend in brides wanting to do their own floral bouquets and centerpieces rather than using a local florist”.

With the current economic situation North Americans are facing, more and more are trying to reduce their expenses, especially when it comes to planning large and usually expensive events, such as their weddings. Women, a large percentage of wholesale buyers, who are getting married, soon discover the high prices that come along with purchasing pre-made floral arrangements, and many are seeking a reprieve. Wholesale flowers are the solution to many budget issues that arise during the wedding planning stage. With the possibility of saving hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars, more women are beginning to buy wholesale and spend a day with their girlfriends making the arrangements before their wedding. As a result, they get unique arrangements that are personal to their own wedding.

Not allowing their customers to be intimidated when buying direct, Bloomex offers consumers how-to guides, advice and instructional videos on their Bunches Direct site that coach people on how to create these special arrangements.

American citizens are now able to have this financial reprieve that many others across Canada have been able to benefit from due to the warehouse that opened this month in Miami. Now it seems that you do not need to worry about which month brings money, since buying wholesale will leave money in your pocket for a rainy day.

To order wholesale flowers from Bloomex visit their site: www.flowerswholesale.ca (Canada) or www.bunchesdirect.com (USA).

Bloomex Spreads the Love this Valentine's Day

With Valentine's Day fast approaching, Bloomex.ca has once again partnered with the Canadian Cancer Society to publish a unique Valentine gift in where a percentage of sales will be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society for cancer research. In December, Bloomex.ca announced the launch of the Give Hope basket that was also uniquely designed for the Canadian Cancer Society. The success of the basket was beyond expectations. A staggering 164 Give Hope baskets were bought during Nov. 20th and December 31st, raising over $1,300 for cancer research.

"The wonderful support we received from our loyal clients demonstrates that their is keen awareness of cancer in our Society. Every day, we all make a difference with the money we raise to invest in the best research so that we can identify, how cancer develops, how best to treat it, and how to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and survivors", says Angela Malik, Customer Service Manager

According to the Canadian Cancer Society, 62% of people diagnosed with cancer today survive their disease. In the 1960s, the survival rate was 1 in 3.

"The unique One of a Kind gift was artfully created for the Canadian Cancer Society. Millions of people will purchase roses for their loved ones this Valentine's Day, Bloomex is one of the only florist with a fair play policy, in other words, we don't raise our prices around Valentine's Day, we offer our flowers fro the same price as we do year round. This, combined with our patented F3 formulas has made Bloomex a favoured florist among Canadians. We feel it is only right to contribute back to our society by supporting the causes that affect so many people, every day." says Michelle Robitaille, Public Relations Manager for Bloomex Inc.

For more information about the Give Hope Collection, or the special One of a Kind gift please visit http://bloomex.ca/give-hope

Bloomex & Canadian Cancer Society's Partnership Continues to Flourish

OTTAWA, January 19th, 2008- On November 16th, 2008, Bloomex announced the launch of the Give Hope Christmas Basket, custom-made gift basket specially designed for the Canadian Cancer Society. This basket would be available from November 20th to December 31st, in where 20% of the sales of this Give Hope basket would be donated to the Canadian Cancer Society.

With the Give Hope Basket campaign now at it's end. Bloomex is proud to report that 164 baskets were sold during the holiday season to raise over $1,300.00 just from the sales of the Give Hope Basket. These funds raised are only a small percentage of the overwhelming money raised during the holiday season with Bloomex's Give Hope Collection, 12 exclusive products which 10-15% of sales are donated towards cancer research.

"We are extremely pleased at the outcome of the Canadian Cancer Society's Give Hope basket campaign, we have our dedicated customers and loyal patrons to attribute this joyeux achievement, says Dimitri Lokhonia, President of Bloomex Inc. " We continually look forward to new innovative ways to contribute to our partnership with the Canadian Cancer Society".

Bloomex's exciting sponsorship of the Canadian Cancer Society has enticed Bloomex to further engage their patrons to support the cure against cancer. During one of the busiest months for the floral industry, Bloomex has announced that they will be unveiling a special Valentine’s Day package to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society.

"Our Christmas basket was so successful, that we wanted to do something special for the Canadian Cancer Society during Valentines', says Michelle Robitaille, Public Relations Manager "Our Design Specialists are creating an inventive Valentine's day special that will rival any other, in which Bloomex will continue their proud sponsorship of cancer research by donating 20% of the sales of this exclusive Valentine's day special back to the Canadian Cancer Society."

Bloomex will be announcing their Valentine's day promotion for the Canadian Cancer Society shortly at the end of January 2009, for more details on this or other Canadian Cancer Society products supported by Bloomex, please visit http://bloomex.ca/give-hope.