Flower Factor: A Lifestyle Blog From Aboutflowers.com

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

Have you ever wondered why the Disney parks, or any amusement park for that matter, are so perfectly landscaped? The streets and walkways are impeccably clean, the rides are fabulous, the food is fun, the music and marching bands create a lively atmosphere. So why go the extra mile to showcase and maintain such beautiful greenery, manicured gardens, and stunning hanging planters?

Is it just for aesthetics? Not likely. You see, these companies are ‘in the know’ on the importance of providing you with an amazing experience, even when you are hot, tired or hungry amidst all the fun. They want you to be distracted from the long lines, and to smile and focus on the wonder that is about to come with each ride, show, or refreshment.  Read More

It’s been a long wait but it finally feels like spring in the Mid-Atlantic region! Once that happens, I can’t wait to enhance my outdoor spaces with flowering plants. I am fortunate to be surrounded by many trees, providing green therapy much of the year.  Read More