Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

Each holiday has its own traditions, ones that bring happy memories, and warm feelings that connect one generation to the next. This is certainly true for Easter with its cute bunnies, decorated eggs, baskets of candy, sunrise services and spring flowers.

It seems like flowers are in abundance this time of year, and for good reason. After a long cold winter, the bold colors and fragrant blossoms associated with spring and Easter are a welcomed reprieve.  Read More

Did you know that April is Stress Awareness Month? Because almost everyone can relate to stress, health professionals and wellness experts across the country use this time to increase public awareness about the causes of stress and help people find ways to cope.

Americans are indeed stressed. Think about it: Taxes. Finances. Work overload. Health concerns. In fact, according to a survey by Wakefield Research, 68 percent of people feel stress on a weekly basis, and 32 percent are stressed every day. Women, in particular, are affected, as one in four report experiencing stress multiple times a day.

Here’s the good news: Scientific research offers a surprisingly simple way to help relieve it. According to a study conducted at the University of North Florida’s Department of Public Health, living with flowers significantly reduces stress. Lead researcher Erin Largo-Wight, Ph.D., says these findings are important from a public health standpoint because “adding flowers to reduce stress does not require tremendous effort to generate a meaningful effect.”

These findings follow decades of behavioral research studies conducted by researchers at Harvard, Rutgers and Texas A&M that demonstrate flowers’ ability to enhance our well being, so it makes sense that flowers would help to provide a moment of calm amidst a hectic day.

Still not convinced? Do a little experiment and just try it. Read More

Living Coral is Pantone’s Color of the Year 2019. For those unfamiliar with Pantone, they are the color experts. The company’s founder developed a system for creating consistency in color identifying and matching which was a game-changer for standardizing colors in the textile and print industries. The company went on to create color guides for accurate color reproduction that are essential to in a multitude of industries, including clothing manufacturing, textiles, and graphic design. Pantone’s Color of the Year represents the pulse of our global culture and forecasts trends for the coming year.

Living Coral is described by Pantone as a “sociable and spirited” color that “welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits.”

It has already appeared in Spring 2019 runways. Expect to see this year’s trendy color in clothing stores, formal wear, and accessories. Channel your inner fashionista by accenting your ensemble with lively pops of Living Coral fresh floral jewelry such as this necklace and ring.

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Having spent a majority of my life in a retail flower shop, I have experienced firsthand the emotional connection with beautiful product and wonderful people.

Flowers are like magnets and draw people to them. How many of us can pass up a collection of beautiful flowers without a second glance?

At the shop, every morning, we would begin by getting ready for the day’s activities. Each person that came through the door, emailed or called on the phone was driven by an emotion, and we needed to be ready to help. A new baby was born, someone was ill, a thank you was in order or maybe an apology, a prom corsage to be selected or a wedding to be planned, any of which could be the business at hand. They were happy, sad, concerned, excited, confused, and they knew who could help — their florist.

Before I was involved in the floral business, I was a floral customer. My brother needed a prom corsage, I took care of ordering it with the help of the local florist. My parents’ wedding anniversary needed attention; I just naturally went to the florist as they always knew the best thing to choose. When my grandmother died, the florist was at the top of the list.

We didn’t know a lot about flowers, but my family liked flowers and always made them an important part of family events big or small, happy or sad. We didn’t need to know a lot because the florist always gave us options and helped us make the right choices. I have to admit, they we took this service for granted. We would just call or pop into the shop with full confidence that they would take care of everything.   Read More

Walk into any nice hotel, and what is the first thing you see? A beautiful display of flowers. How did it make you feel? Many hotels and resorts use flowers to create a first impression and make you feel welcome. Likely the reason for your stay is for vacation or a business trip — either way, you want to be put at ease, and if a smile appears on your face, even better. Flowers can do that.

It’s not just a theory that the presence of flowers makes you happy, it’s scientifically proven. In fact, a study by Rutgers University demonstrates flowers’ unique ability to create instant delight — the same kind of true smiles that come when you see a baby or a puppy.

Flowers can enhance the entryway of your own home too, and make guests feel welcome the minute they enter the door. And whether you have guests or not, use flowers to create warm feelings in your home, to start you off with a smile in the morning, or greet you upon your return after a long day. Who wouldn’t want that?  Read More