Bloomex COOLEST TEACHER CONTEST!

Calling all KIDS: Bloomex Ottawa wants to hear about your BEST TEACHER EVER!

It’s back to school time, and time to take a moment to think about the teachers who make such an impact on our lives! A great teacher can make all the difference-- let's give them some added recognition.

Who is the coolest, most fun, nicest teacher in Ottawa? Who makes you look forward to going to school each day? Maybe it’s a teacher who explains new things really clearly, or who loves a good joke. Maybe it’s a teacher who supports you when you are feeling down, or a teacher who goes the extra mile by running a fun club or coaching your sports team. 

If you live in Ottawa and area, and you think you have an awesome teacher, tell us! Write a short note nominating a teacher (could be from this school year or a past one) and tell us how they made your school year better. (Yes, parents can help! :))

Bloomex will select the top two entries. For each top entry, YOU will win this yummy Chocolate & Cookie Lover Gift Basket, and YOUR TEACHER will be presented with a gorgeous flower bouquet!

Contest starts today and closes Tuesday, September 30. 

SEND YOUR NOTE TO CONTEST@BLOOMEX.CA

Good luck to all the teachers and participants! 
  

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. By submitting your story, drawing, and/or photos, you agree that they become, as submitted, property of Bloomex, and allow Bloomex to post your submitted materials publicly on sites including but not limited to, bloomex.ca and the Bloomex blog (bloomex.blogspot.ca). Bloomex is happy to provide only first names of people involved in the stories; please just let us know if you would like us to do this.
2. The winning entries will be determined by a panel of Bloomex employees.
3. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES is Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
4. 2 winners will be chosen, with each winning entry receiving a gift basket and a custom created Designer Collection bouquet free of charge from Bloomex.ca.
5. Entrants must reside in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, or its immediate surrounds. 

Oh, Baby! Ideas to Welcome a New Arrival

William and Kate, more formally known as the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, announced today that they are expecting their second child. 

The announcement of a new baby on the way is one of life's most exciting times! Family and friends will want to celebrate such happy news with cards, gifts, flowers and perhaps by hosting a baby shower. Thousands of gifts for Prince George were presented before and after his birth, including a rocking horse and polo mallet from the Obamas, a surfboard from Australia, apple trees, and a fattened bull and calf from the Samburu peopel of Kenya.

While each birth may not be a Royal event, every baby is an equal miracle, and each new parent deserves to be treated with a little extra love and TLC. Here are some ideas for anyone who wants to welcome a new baby.

Morning Bright Bouquet

The big announcement

You may wish to send flowers to congratulate the parent(s) on their joyous news. Keeping flower selections bright and cheerful is always an excellent way to go. And what to write on the card? Here are some great suggestions: 

"Congratulations on Your Happy News! You’ll have your arms around your little one before you know it!"

"Congratulations on your pregnancy. We are looking forward to meeting the newest member of the family."

"All your life you were learning how to be a good human being. Pregnancy will teach you how to be a good mother. Congratulations."

"I am happy for your pregnancy but I am happier in knowing that a baby will be born in the arms of such loving parents like you."

"My heartiest wishes to you, mom-to-be. Have a happy and healthy pregnancy. Enjoy this special moment of your life!"
"New life, new responsibility, and many new discoveries are coming. Congratulations on your pregnancy."

"The craziest roller coaster ride in the world is not at Disneyland or Universal Studios, it is the nine months of pregnancy. Good luck and enjoy the twists and turns of your pregnancy."
"The doctor may cut off the umbilical cord that ties you with your baby, but no one can cut off the cord of love built over the next nine months which will tie you with your child for a lifetime. Congratulations on being pregnant."

The baby shower 

When it comes to baby showers, the more, the better! New babies need a lot of gear and new parents will really appreciate some help with the provisions. There are many tips for how to host, and for how to personalize the event. You can find some great baby shower game ideas at babycenter.com.

When it comes to decor, an especially cute and memorable idea is to use rain boots to hold a pretty bouquet of your choice to prepare for the "shower" of gifts! (Hint: make sure the boots are nice looking and relatively new.)

TLC for Mom & Dad

A spa gift basket may be just the thing to provide a thoughtful treat to a new parent. Try the Supreme Spa Basket to provide some much appreciated pampering. Busy parents or a mom-to-be with a fussy appetite will also really appreciate a fruit, cheese, or other food-related gift basket. 

Supreme Spa Basket

Fruit Elegance

Arrival Day

To welcome baby, flowers, teddy bears, and/or balloons are all great choices! Visit the Bloomex New Baby page for a long list of great suggestions!

Simply Sweet Bouquet

Some suggestions for the card message:
"A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities."
"Adoption is when a child grew in its mommy's heart instead of her tummy. Congratulations on your new arrival!"
"Congratulations! May your baby be blessed, his/her road forward a blessed adventure!"
"We welcome your dear new child to this world with love."
"Babies are special, babies are fun, congratulations on your new little one!"
"Another miracle in this world. Welcome!"
"I don't know who is more blessed. Either you are for having a new little baby, or your baby is for having you as parents. Congratulations to everyone!"
"We are wishing you a lifetime of happiness with your new little baby."
"We pray for health and happiness to you and your little one.
"I'm wishing you continued blessings as your family grows."
"There’s no greater gift to a loving couple wanting to be parents than a child! I’m glad you have been given that gift. Congratulations!"

And remember, just the fact that you cared enough to send flowers, a gift basket, and a card, will go a long way toward giving new parents a much needed boost of confidence and support. They will treasure your kindness for years to come!

The Art of the Apology: Saying Sorry with Flowers

Saying sorry can be very difficult, though everyone messes up. When you have done something to cause someone hurt or inconvenience, you may feel remorse, guilt or regret. Whether you choose to apologize in person or in writing, there are some aspects to the apology that apply to every situation, and can boost the chances for healing and forgiveness. 

A true and complete apology should encompass three aspects: acknowledgement and regret for the hurt or inconvenience your actions caused, taking responsibility for your own actions without making excuses or casting blame elsewhere, and an indication of how you will try to fix the situation going forward.

Take some time to think about the situation, your actions, and the other person. Evaluate their feelings, and the hurt they may be experiencing. Think about why the event occurred, and evaluate if you feel genuine remorse, and why. Reflect on what you might do to improve the current situation or to prevent a repeat occurrence in the future.

Be sincere. An apology message does not have to be elaborate to be effective. Conveying a true expression of regret is often enough to help heal the situation.

Be specific if needed. For example, “I’m sorry. I realize that by being late I caused us to be late for the visit with your parents. Please let me make it up to you by taking your parents to dinner next week.” Or if you miss a friend’s birthday, you could say “I am sorry I was so disorganized this year and let such an important date go by. You mean so much to me and I feel awful. I added an alert to my phone so I won’t miss your birthday again."

Use light humor only if you are absolutely certain the other person will accept it. Making light of the situation does not usually constitute a genuine apology and may end up hurting the person more.

Whatever you decide to write, sending flowers and a sincere message that you gave thought to can be a bridge toward healing for all concerned. Flowers that traditionally convey apology include a mix of red and white roses, pink carnations, or white tulips, but there are many choices available and you should think most about the intended recipient. 

You may or may not earn forgiveness, but odds are that you will at least open the doors to communication. And you will feel much better for making the effort.

Here are some suggestions for card messages you can include with your flowers: 

 

"I am so sorry. I know I hurt your feelings and I feel terrible about it."
"I’m sorry for being so insensitive and insane. I know that it’s not an excuse I hope you can have a forgiving heart soon. I miss you."
"I’ve said things I should never said, I’ve done things I should never done- tell me how can I make things right. I’m sorry and I miss you so much!"
"I am truly sorry for the pain I caused you."
"How can ½ be 1 without you, my other half? Please forgive me."
"I'm sorry. I know it is difficult for you to trust people and my lying to you hasn't made it any easier. I shouldn't have lied no matter how afraid I was of your reaction."
"I'm sorry. You have every right to be angry with me. I will never speak that way to you again."
"Accept these flowers in place of the words I said."
"We haven’t talked since our last fight, but I want to tell you that I’m still the same friend you had before. And I still am going to be, so please forgive me."
"I'll never forgive myself...but I'm hoping you will. I'm sorry."
"I may not be perfect, but I have perfect regret. I am so sorry for what happened."
"I love you so much. I would do anything to make you smile. I can’t believe I just hurt you. Please forgive me. I am so sorry."

Bring the Sizzle Back! Creative Ways to Win Her with Flowers

Whether a man wants to win a girl or keep her, flowers are a go-to resource. Sending flowers in a new romance, for a birthday, an anniversary, or for another special occasion is a tried-and-true recipe for pleasing your lady.

As time goes by, sometimes guys forget the flowers and the special treatment. They may also forget, or not know, that there are more ways to use flowers than just handing over a bouquet (don't get me wrong--handing over a bouquet is an awesome start anytime). Women love to feel loved and attended to, whether it is on a special occasion or as a "just because."

For guys who really want to impress their lady, here are some creative ways to get sparks flying, whether your romance is brand new or long lasting:

1.Repeat Romantic
Send her a single red rose (or pink if she prefers) every day for 12 days, with a different message every day to list reasons why you love her. Alternately, you could send her a rose for each month you have been together, or use another number that is significant to her or to your relationship.








2. The Hired Help  
If she has a fairly established daily routine, go to the places she regularly visits or is slated to visit and see if you can get people to agree to hand her a flower at the various locations. If you have kids, have them give her a flower at breakfast. If she always hits the drive thru lane for her morning coffee, maybe a kind employee will agree to hand her a flower with a message from you. Ditto for the dry cleaner, or the waiter at the restaurant she is going to at lunch (tip them and this will help). Include her co-workers: this way she can bask in the glory of even more attention at work. When she gets home, you can be waiting with a final bouquet.

3. Lead the Way
Use flowers or small vases of flowers to create an arrow that leads to a romantic spot. It could direct her outside to a picnic you have set up, or to a spot you have left a gift, or toward the bedroom if things are really getting romantic. You can scatter rose petals to add even more romance.





4. Floral Scavenger Hunt
 Leave flowers around the house in various locations. Attach a clue to each flower that directs her to the next location for a really fun and creative hunt. The key is to be personal and romantic with your choices and list reasons why you love each spot that are all about her. Have the final clue lead to a beautiful bouquet with a special card. (Include chocolates or another gift if you really want to impress her).

5. Unexpected Places 
Leave flowers in places that will surprise her throughout her day, such as in her purse, her car, the bathroom vanity, her closet, in the cereal cupboard, in the refrigerator, or anywhere else you can think of.

5. In the Bath
To really make her swoon, draw her a hot bath. Scatter rose petals all over the surface of the water, and around the tub. Place a lovely bouquet nearby for her to enjoy. Light some candles and add some bath oils, bath beads or bath salts. Set out some fluffy towels and her favourite robe. Add her beverage of choice, or anything else she really enjoys. 

Follow these tips and get creative-- your lady will love you for it!

World's Most Expensive Flowers

Tulip Bulbs

Believe it or not, in the seventeenth century tulip bulbs were a hot commodity. The bulbs were prized for their shape, their rarity, and their vivid colours. Having tulips back then was a status symbol, and special tulip vases were often used to display them. For a time bulbs were bought and sold at frantic pace in a kind of "tulipmania": some were known to sell for about 10,000 guilders, or about $5600 today.

Saffron Crocus

The crocus is a beautiful purple flower, but it’s the yellow stamens that are the big winner for this plant. The stamens are used to make saffron, the world’s most expensive spice. To get about 500 grams of this spice takes about 80,000 flowers, which are picked and dried by hand. This popular spice sells for about $1500 per pound!

Gold of Kinabalu Orchid

This rare and beautiful plant is an endangered species of orchid, and it’s very hard to come by. Firstly, it grows only in a small area of Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia. Secondly, it blooms only in April and May. Add to this it’s slow growth rate and beautiful appearance and it’s one rare beauty. These orchids sells for approximately $5500 each.

Shenzhen Nongke Orchid

This orchid is the priciest one ever sold. It is a man-man variety that took eight years to develop and grow.  It also takes four to five years for its flower to bloom. This orchid sold at auction in 2005 for a whopping $160,000!

Kadupul Flower

And the most expensive flower? This rare and fragile beauty is actually the flower of a cactus from Sri Lanka that is not only hard to find but also blooms only at night. The flower dies before dawn, and if picked, dies even more rapidly. For these reasons it has never made it to a shop for sale, and its value? Priceless!

GRANDPARENTS DAY CONTEST!

If we are lucky, most of us have fond memories of our grandparents—those very special people who love you unconditionally and discipline you a little (or a lot) less than parents, who give excellent advice if you are smart enough to ask for it, who tell you stories of the past, who laugh at all your jokes, who are delighted whenever you visit or pick up the phone.

Grandparents are a repository of family memories, with wisdom and experience that are gained only through longer living. After giving so much to the next generations, they deserve some recognition and more than a little love given back. 

You may not be aware of it, but for these reasons and many more we have a National Grandparents Day! Canada, the U.S. and many other nations have set aside a special day to recognize and remember the valuable contributions made by our senior members of society. 

It all started back in 1970 when Marian McQuade, a West Virginia housewife, came up with the idea of a day set aside to encourage families to visit their elderly relatives. She lobbied and promoted tirelessly until President Carter signed the day into law in 1978. There is even a Grandparents Day song: A Song for Grandma and Grandpa, and an official flower: the forget-me-not. 

National Grandparents Day began in Canada in 1995 with a motion to designate “the second Sunday in September of each year as Grandparents’ Day in order to acknowledge their importance to the structure of the family in the nurturing, upbringing and education of children.” 

There is no doubt that grandparents are worth it. Don’t forget them. To them, you are the most important people in the world. Take a little time this September and send some love their way.

Grandparents Day is September 7, 2014.

SHARE YOUR BEST MEMORY OF A LIVING GRANDPARENT! It could be funny or nostalgic, uplifting or serious—whatever stands out to you. Tell us in your own words why they deserve a special surprise this September. Send your entries to contest@bloomex.ca. A short note is fine, and photos are welcome!

THE TOP 3 ENTRIES WILL RECEIVE A GORGEOUS DESIGNER COLLECTION BOUQUET, A $100 VALUE! Delivery Friday September 5. Contest begins TODAY, and ends Monday, September 1, 2014. Good luck!  

TERMS & CONDITIONS:
1. By submitting your story and/or photos, you agree that they become, as submitted, property of Bloomex, and allow Bloomex to post your submitted materials publicly on sites including but not limited to, bloomex.ca and the Bloomex blog (bloomex.blogspot.ca). Bloomex is happy to change or provide only first names of people involved in the stories; please just let us know in your email if you would like us to do this.
2. The winning stories will be determined by a panel of Bloomex employees.
3. DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES is Monday, September 1, 2014, at 12 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
4. 3 winners will be chosen, with each winner receiving a custom designed Designer Collection bouquet free-of-charge from Bloomex on or around September 5, 2014.
5. Recipients of bouquets must live in Canada or the United States.

Amazing Alstroemeria!

Alstroemeria: Perfect for all Occasions

100 Blooms of Alstroemeria

The name might be hard to say, but the flower is lovely to look at! 

Alstroemeria is originally native to South America. It also known as the Peruvian lily, or lily of the Incas, and it is quickly becoming a favourite flower for almost any occasion. These abundant blooms are actually members of the Amaryllis family, resembling miniature lilies. They are named after Swedish botanist Klas von Alstroemer, who collected seeds from this plant and many others during a trip to Spain in 1753. 

Alstroemeria packs a lot of impact with its vibrant yet delicate beauty. The abundant blooms have lovely, graceful veining and enjoy a longer vase life than do many other flowers. The flowers come in a wide variety of rich colours with unique markings.

Consider the amazing Alstroemeria for your next bouquet, and wow them with something dazzling and unique!

Boost Your Health with Houseplants

Need a great gift idea? Consider a beautiful, growing plant!

As a decorative touch, houseplants provide big impact. Add a plant to any home or office space and instantly enliven it. They make an ideal gift that is appropriate for any recipient, whether man or woman, and that is suitable for any occasion. Plants come in a wide range of colours, textures, and sizes, with blooms or without, and they are lovely to look at. But did you you know just how much our leafy friends relate to good health? 

Blooming Planter Basket $44.99

 

Plants help us live longer and better by:

Boosting our well-being.

Studies suggest that having plants in your environment benefits you in many ways. A recent review published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that plants can reduce fatigue, boost mood levels, lower stress, increase pain tolerance, and improve reaction time. Another study from 2008 suggests that patients in hospitals recover faster and use fewer pain killers when there is a live plant in the room.

Providing a cure for what ails us.

 About 70,000 plant species are used for medicine. The first types of aspirin, pain killer and fever reducers came from the bark of the willow tree. Today, over half the drugs prescribed in the US have plant origins. Many more species remain untapped—perhaps important cures are waiting for us, in an unknown plant!  

Improving our eating experience

Around 2000 different types of plants are used by humans to make food. The vast majority of our food is plant-based, from grains to fruits and veggies, to beverages like tea and coffee. Some of our tastiest added ingredients come from plants, including vanilla (from an orchid pod), chocolate (from the cacao tree), and saffron (from a crocus flower).

Cleaning our air

Plants improve air quality. A 1989 study conducted by NASA identified 17 common houseplants and found that these plants remove toxic chemicals from our indoor air. Plants also reduce carbon dioxide levels and send oxygen into your environment.

So send an incredible plant to someone you care about—the beautiful and healthy gift that keeps on growing!