Wednesday, December 19, 2018

Buy a Bear, Grant a Wish!

Bloomex is excited to continue its support for Make-A-Wish® Canada with another wonderful campaign! Their mission is to create life changing wishes for critically ill children. Make-A-Wish has been granting wishes for over 35 years helping over 450,000 children during that time!



This month's feature Wish story is about a girl named Victoria. Victoria was born with a  blood disorder called hematologic disorder that causes reoccurring spells of pain in her abdomen, chest and bones. The pain varies in intensity and can last up to a few weeks at a time. 


Victoria lives in constant fear of being hospitalized when her medical condition worsens. She fantasized about traveling to South Korea for a family adventure. This past October Make-A-Wish made it happen! 


The trip to Seoul, South Korea, helped her to realize that by focusing on the positives she can live her life without fear. "...I’ll always remember everything from the trip, because I loved it so much,” said Victoria.


To check out more Make-A-Wish stories, click here

Here's how you can help! 

With every sale of our I Care Teddy Bear $5 goes directly to Make-A-Wish-Canada. Make sure to add yours to your cart today!


During the month of December, Bloomex is also offering a $2 donation at checkout. When you are placing your orders for family and friends this holiday, be sure to donate and help make more life changing wishes come true! 

Happy Holidays to all, and thanks for your support.

Canadian Stephen Gogolev takes the Gold at Grand Prix Finals

As part of our ongoing role as the Official Florist of Skate Canada, Bloomex was happy to supply flowers and teddy bears for the ISU Grand Prix Finals in Vancouver! Our floral team created red and white themed bouquets that included fresh holiday greens for the top 3 finalists in each category. Bloomex also supplied flowers and fresh pine and cedar boughs to give the VIP lounge some holiday beauty, as well as fresh hydrangea centrepieces for the Official Dinner.


                                                           Photo Credit: @SkateCanada

Stephen Gogolev, 13, from Toronto placed fifth at JGP Canada and won gold at JGP Slovakia. He trained at the Toronto Cricket & Skating Club and coached by Lee Barkell. At Grand Prix on his home turf Stephen represented Canada in the junior men's category and took home the gold! Watch below Stephen's interview after his winning performance!



Rika Kihira of Japan won the Ladies event, Hubbell and Donohue of the US won Ice Dance, while James and Cipras of France finished first in Pairs. If you love the purity of a very Canadian red and white theme, be sure to check out our top red and white Christmas selections here.

If you love the purity of a very Canadian red and white theme, be sure to check out our top red and white Christmas selections here.

Holiday Snowflakes
Designer Collection I

24 Candy Cane Carnations
Festive Fragrance


And don't forget to add on your own Bloomington Bear! Bloomex supplies these adorable teddys to the Skate Canada school visit programs at some of Canada's top skating events.


Congratulations to all the skaters who competed this year: being a part of what Skate Canada does is a great feeling!

Stay tuned for more information and --- hint, hint -- a possible ticket giveaway for the Canadian Tire National Figure Skating Championships in St John, Newfoundland! Bloomex will be there... will you?  

 Happy Holidays, and see you in the New Year, skaters and skating fans!

Tuesday, December 11, 2018

Bloomex Holiday Gift Ideas

With the Holiday Season upon us there always seems to be that person in your life that is so hard to buy for! Whether it's a favourite teacher, neighbour or that uncle that lives on the other side of the country; we have the perfect gift for you!

First off, there is the gift that will last forever: Plants! With a little care your recipient can enjoy these gifts for years to come. Bloomex offers Planter Baskets, Poinsettias and live holiday trees. Be sure to check out our "'Tis the season for Poinsettias" blog for step by step care instructions for your poinsettia all year round!
Joyeux Noel Planter Basket


Deluxe Poinsettia Basket
Live Mini Christmas Tree I 

When you are invited over to a friend or family's house for Christmas dinner, there are so many options of what to bring. Wine? A side dish? Dessert? Why not the table centerpiece? Bloomex has beautiful centerpieces to choose from, decorated with Christmas Greens, holiday decorations and red and white blooms. These centerpieces are sure to be the talk at the dinner table!

Sparkle of Christmas Centerpiece
Christmas Wishes Centerpiece

Food always seems to be the go-to around the holiday season. What better way to say "you are appreciated" then a beautiful gourmet gift basket? Whatever the reason, which ever the season, we have a gift basket for you! 

Lindt & Red Basket
Christmas Gourmet Collection I

Holiday Tradition III
Elegance Collection II

Being Canada's Official Florist we will always have the best and freshest selections of seasonal flowers! Be sure to check out our holiday themed bouquets to decorate you home with!

Holiday Snowflakes
Festive Fragrance

Be sure to click here to check out our full collection of holiday themed gifts for everyone! 

Happy Holidays, From the team at Bloomex.




The Power of Flowers; Who Inspires You?

In November, as part of our "Power of Flowers" giveaway series, we asked our customers to name a person in their lives who inspires them and to explain why. Since last month we were overwhelmed with sentimental stories we knew our customers would have great stories to share-- and we were not disappointed! The responses we received were heartwarming. 


We are excited to share these inspirational stories and are so glad that our followers have so many amazing people in their lives. While we would love nothing more then to send each and every one of our participants a bouquet to surprised their inspiration with, we would like to share a few of people's stories who weren't chosen. 

Some of the participant's posts were short and sweet, like Danielle; shouting out to Judy who always goes above and beyond for her friend. Or Sarah's selflessness that has made Jenna nominate her for always thinking of others. 


Photo by rawpixel on Unsplash
While Taylor's Mother, Jackie, is inspired by the dedication and determination of her daughter, it's her zest for life that has made her the best friend and daughter for Jackie. 

There was one story that stood out to us during this giveaway. Jennifer Anne-Louise Peters was the person who most inspired us. Jennifer was able to arrange this surprise so easily because she moved back in to care for her Grandmother after she fell and broke her hip a few years ago.


Jennifer nominated her Grandmother, who was there for her during the highs and lows in her life. When Jennifer was young her parents were unable to care for her and her Grandmother took her in and raised her to be the amazing woman she is today. Take a look at the video of the flowers that we arranged with Jennifer to surprise her Grandmother:


Power of Flowers Surprise


Thank you for sharing your stories with us; we truly feel inspired by the inspiration in your lives. 

Stay tuned for our Power of Flowers part 3!



Wednesday, December 05, 2018

'Tis is the season for Poinsettias!

This beautiful tropical plant is a staple in our holiday season! Poinsettias are native to Southern Mexico where they flower during the winter and can grow up to 10 feet tall. With a little TLC your plant can look great all year. Instead of giving that holiday gift the old heave-ho this January, why not keep the party going? Your gorgeous poinsettias aren’t just for winter anymore!


As we have many different temperatures in Canada the process of keeping your poinsettia alive is hard work , but if you love to garden and have a green thumb you will find your poinsettia worth the effort. Next winter when your holiday guests ask you about your flourishing plant, don't forget to gloat!



During the winter months, January to March, you will continuously water your plant. Be sure to never allow your plant's soil to be completely dry. Your plant should be in a warm room with access to a lot of sunlight!


When Spring is in the air, March to May, it's time for your poinsettia to rest. Once the blooms fade (the little yellow flowers in the middle of the red leaves) you know it's time. You will start to water your plant less and less making sure the soil is completely dry before watering your plant again.

A couple weeks into this process you will cut the stems down to about 4 inches tall and move your plant into a cold spot in your house; a cellar or against an outside wall would work best .Keep the plant out of any direct sunlight. Continue to water your plant only when the soil is completely dry; do not allow your plant to soak in water.


When the summer months are finally here, from May to September it's time to wake up your poinsettia. Re-potting your plant will be your first step if it is in the small plastic pot and you can see the roots around the bottom. You want to choose a container with proper drainage that is about 30% larger than the previous pot.

Make sure to wet your soil while re-potting, your poinsettia will be thirsty! Once your plant is cozy in its new pot move it to the sunniest spot in your house, steering clear of your AC and cool drafts. Start watering your plant on a regular basis again, never having the soil completely dry. Once you start seeing stalks, sprouts and leaves grow - now you can fertilize! You can use any houseplant fertilizer mixed at half strength. 




Falling into Autumn, September to October will be critical for the blooming of your poinsettia. 8 - 10 weeks prior to your desired bloom time, your poinsettia needs total darkness for at least 12 hours per day. You can put your plant in a closet, cover it with a thick cardboard box or plastic bag-- even indoor lighting will disrupt this step! For 6 hours each day remove the cover as your poinsettia needs to be in direct sunlight, continue watering and fertilizing as usual. 


Blooming season is finally here, November to December is when you get to enjoy all your hard work!  Towards the end of your poinsettia's total darkness treatment, you should see little buds growing on the stems. Once you see those buds, that is your sign to stop your darkness treatment. You can put your poinsettia in a windowsill so it will get the most sunlight. (Continue to water your plant, but stop fertilizing until the summer months!)


So, what do you think? Do you want to put your green thumb to the test? All you need to get started is a poinsettia plant! Click here to see our beautiful selection! 

Poinsetta

Tuesday, December 04, 2018

Bloomex is on Amazon.ca

Bloomex is once again making your gift giving process that much easier! There are officially 4 of Bloomex's Gift Baskets on Amazon.ca available Canada wide by December 7th! 



Are you missing someone this holiday season? Why not send them the perfect gift! Choose from our 4 gourmet Gift Baskets available on Amazon

Holiday Deluxe Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate, Holiday Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate, Holiday Supersize Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate, and our Holiday Classic Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate are all available for purchase with free delivery Canada wide! 

Holiday Deluxe Gourmet Basket with Lindt Chocolate 
Holiday Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate


Holiday Supersize Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate

Holiday Classic Gourmet Gift Basket with Lindt Chocolate

Amazon Prime customers have the ability to receive same or 1-day delivery with their orders! Never worry about stopping to pick up a gift again. These yummy gift baskets are the perfect gift for your teachers, neighbours, the boss, clients and so much more!


Why wait? Shop now.


Monday, December 03, 2018

Winners from 2018-2019 Skate Canada Challenge

We had a great time at Skate Canada Challenge on November 28th- December 2nd in Edmonton! This annual event sees Canada host skaters from all over the world at a weekend of amazing competition.



As official florist of Skate Canada, Bloomex was delighted to provide centrepieces in red and white blooms. 

Larkyn Austman of B.C. who participated in the 2018 Olympic team came back to win a gold medal in her performance in women’s competition Sunday at Skate Challenge. Coming in second and third were Alison Schumacher of Tecumseh, Ont. and Michelle Long of Newmarket, Ont.

                                                              Photo Credit : @SkateCanada

In ice dancing, Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Nikolaj Sorensen of Montreal were the victors with a score of 192.03. Haley Sales of Kelowna and Nikolas Wamsteeker of B.C. came in second and Molly Lanaghan and Dmitre Razgulajevs of Ajax, Ont., came in third.

                                                            Photo Credit : @SkateCanada
In women’s junior competition, Hannah Dawson of Ottawa hung on to top spot taking home the gold with 141.28 points. Following in second and third, were Emma Bulawka of B.C. and Madeline Schizas of Ont.
                                                         Photo Credit : @SkateCanada

In the junior ice dance, the new team of Alicia Fabbri of Terrebonne and Paul Ayer Brossard of Que.came first edging Yuka Orihara and Lee Royer of Burnaby, B.C. in second. Irina Galiyanova and Grayson Lochhead of Ont. were third.
                                                             Photo Credit : @SkateCanada


If you want to spruce up your holiday table with similar red and white centrepieces click here. 

Sparkle of Christmas Centrepiece
Christmas Wishes Centrepiece


Evergreen Elegance

Looking forward to going to Vancouver for the 2018 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final! See you there, skaters and skating fans!

And stay tuned to Bloomex social media to find out how your could WIN 2 all-event passes to this year's Grand Prix!