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Rick Canale

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Your Hostess in Cape Cod Deserves a Thank You Gift of Flowers

Posted by Rick Canale on Mon, Aug 20, 2012

Boston Flower Delivery Did you go to the Cape, Ogunquit, or Newport this summer ? Did you stay with a friend, a friend of a friend or a relative ? Did they open their doors to you ? Feed you ? Let you sleep there ? Use their bathroom ? Provide you with fresh lines and towels ? Did you have a world class host ?

thank you flowers resized 600 How did you thank your host ? Did you bring wine ? Did you bring flowers ? Just because you made dinner and did the dishes, does not mean you really showed your appreciation. If you want to get asked back or even if you want to just do the right thing, make sure you send your hostess a fresh flower bouquet. What better way to say thank you than a dramatic and unexpected gift of flowers ?

So whether your vacation brought you to Nantucket or Newport, make sure that when you get back to Boston. Send thank you flowers to your hostess.

Tags: Hospitality, Thank You, Cape Cod, Newport, Maine, Hostess Flowers

Exotic Flowers in Boston Celebrates Shark Week - Our Top 3 Sharks

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Aug 09, 2012

Jaws
Shark Week begins on Sunday August 12, 2012 on the Discovery Channel. If you have not seen this pop culture phenomenon, make sure to tune in. The staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston and our friends are huge fans of Shark Week. This year, we are proud to present our favorite three sharks.
  1. Jaws - how could Jaws not be the #1 shark on anyone's list. The movie gets better every time you see it. 
  2. bruce from nemo resized 600 The lovable Bruce from finding Nemo who battles with his addiction with eating fish. Bruce is a character we can all relate to.
  3. ROENICK resized 600 Former San Jose Shark Jeremy Roenick, this future NHL Hall of Famer is a graduate of Thayer Academy in Braintree, Mass. Some might argue that argue Roenick did not gain much success in San Jose. But you cannot argue with his ten game winning goals in the short time he played there. Besides, Roenick has always been great to kids and fans and earned a top shark award.

Tags: Movies, Shark Week, Top Sharks, Jaws, Hockey

The Best USA Flag Ever That Does Not Fly is Made of Flowers

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Aug 02, 2012

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This flower flag was created by the city of Lompoc, California in celebration of Flag Day in 2002. The Lompoc Valley is a mecca for flower growers and is also home to Vandenberg Air Force Base. The Bodger Seed Company planted this flag to honor all those lost on 9/11. The flag is comprised of red, white and blue larkspur flowers. 
The flag measures seven hundred and forty feet long and three hundred and ninety feet wide. The flag dimensions meet the protocoal of Executive Order #10834.  The flag is almost seven acres and each white star measures twenty four feet while each stripe measures thrity feet wide. The flag is estimated to contain more than 400,000 larkspur plants with about five blooms on each stem giving the flag two million blooms.

Tags: Gardening, Veterans Day, USA, 9/11, July 4th

Pretty Petals... By Suzie Canale (Choosing Your Wedding Flowers)

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jul 31, 2012

Boston Wedding Flowers

Chapter 7: Pretty Petals...

"If I had a flower for every time I thought of you, I could walk in my garden forever."

~Alfred Lord Tennyson

 

One of the most beautiful aspects of wedding planning is the selection of flowers which include a mass spectrum of possibilities including color palettes, texture and style.  Traditionally, brides were once confined to a "white only" restriction, limiting the wiggle room for brides to let down their hair when it came to bouquets and centerpiece design.  Although white weddings are still unquestionably stunning and still desired by those taken with blooms of white hydrangea, Casablanca lilies and Bianca roses, new trends have allowed bridal floral work to expand outside of this circle.  Including seasonal and thematic options, flowers can now be tailored to fit whatever fun and fantastical party planning couples have in mind.  For those who like to walk on the "rose petaled edge", try these fabulous floras on for size!

Seasonal Stems~ Tulips are certainly in full bloom during the spring wedding season which are both easy to find and affordable for a budget conscience couple.    Providing both soft and vibrant colored varieties as well as textures of ruffled edges and multi-layered heads (such as the Parrot tulip), this bloom is perfect when mixed or standing alone in bubble bowls.  Summer soirees are blessed with a pinwheel of hydrangea choices including antique, popcorn or sea hydrangea which thrives gloriously off of the salty air provided by the coasts of New England.  Boston gardens are also in full swing during this time growing a multitude of perennial and annual goodies lovely for hand held bouquets.    Some of the recommended flowers are tea roses, nasturtiums, campanula, geraniums, calla lilies and lady's mantle.  Fall is another gifted season for flora and fauna giving way to hearty stems of mums, kale and cymbidiums, deeming this the favorite month for bridal centerpiece design by many florists.  Last but not least is the winter collection, composed of interesting branches which can be arched into contemporary architecturally inspired forms.  Other ideal picks suitable for this chilly season are amaryllis (red, peach, burgundy, green and white) hypericum berries and gerbera daisies which are available year round. 

Themed~ Several soon-to-be's believe that themed weddings are confined to room decor, favors and clothing apparel which is simply not true.  Selecting a motif for your special day can carry right over to your floral planning including both centerpieces and bridal bouquets.  Perhaps the couple are fond of birds and would like to incorporate peacock feathers within arrangements?  How about those who adore animals and would like to choose flowers with names such as elephant paws, lambs ear, Beebalm, or Tiger lilies?  Another theme which holds incredible popularity is the "Tropical" wedding which can include exotic flowers such as the birds of paradise or showy ginger heads.   Orchid lovers have a wide array of delicate species to opt for such as james story, oncidium, and philanopsis, a fabulous way to put some "cha cha" into your arrangements and hand held bouquets.  Exotic Flowers in Boston specializes in this particular area of majestic blooms.

- Suzie Canale
Suzie Canale

Tags: Suzie Hearl Canale, Author, Weddings, Wedding Flowers

The Flowers for the 2012 Olympic Games in London

Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Jul 27, 2012

flowers for the olympics resized 600 The Olympic games has a famous tradition of presenting medal winners with flower bouquets. This tradition dates back more than 3,000 years to the orginial Olympic games in Greece when wreaths or garlands preceded medals as the presentation award. The bouquets are often tossed to fans in the arenas, this florists must make certain the flowers have no thorns or sharp protrusions. 

For the 2012 Olympic games in London, Jane Packer floral design studio was chosen to create more than 4,000 floral 'Victory Bouquets' for the events. The bouquet was created by Susan Lapworth. Colors and flowers were chosen to reflect the vibrancy of the London Games. All flowers and herbs in the bouquet had to be able to grown in Britain. Pink, yellow, orange, and green roses are grouped by color and seperated by British food ingredients English lavender, rosemary, apple mint and wheat.

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 Patricular flowers and herbs were also chosen to be able to withstand fluctuating temperatures as well. 

The Olympic Games remind us how important flowers are for us as a symbol of energy and victory. Flowers always tell a story.

Tags: Olympics, Olympic Games, Presentation Bouquets, London

Flowers Help Express Our Grief in Aurora

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Jul 26, 2012

BALE resized 600
Flowers often say what words cannot. For centuries flowers have played an integral role in the grieving process. In ancient cultures, flowers and herbs were used to annoint the bodies of the deceased while aromatic flowers and greenery were displayed with the body.
The soothing natual effects of fresh flowers have been scientifically proven by Rutgers University to help mourners feel better.
The staff at Exotic Flowers in Boston is deeply saddened by this horrible act. 'A brighter day' will come. The expression of emotions with flower bouquets and the arrival of Batman Actor Christian Bale with his own all white flower bouquet show the world that we are a strong community in a stronger world. 

Tags: Sympathy Flowers, Mourning, Aurora, Batman, Funeral Flowers

George W. Bush, Lobster Popovers and Exotic Flowers in Boston ?

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Jul 24, 2012

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On Monday July 23rd, 2012 Towne Stove and Spirits on Boylston Street in Boston hosted President George W. and First Lady Laura Bush for a private event.  Creating flowers for a Presidential event is really cool. Much of the planning for the event is kept secret for national security reasons. Even as an ex president, President Bush travels in a motorcade with high security.
Towne Stove is not only known for its high profile clientele, but great food in a high energy setting. If you have not checked it out, make sure you try the lobster popovers.
LOBSTER POPOVERS resized 600
Working with the staff at Towne and the Bush team was a once in a lifetime opportunity. The Bush team decided on fun summer colors to adorn the tables and cocktail areas and many guests and staff made sure to mention how spectacular the flowers were.
Exotic Flowers design for the president in boston 
No matter what your politics may be, designing flowers for the 43rd President of the United States is awesome. Presidents have always been associated with flowers. Did you know the White House has its own florist ?
This event reminds me of the movie The American President where the President (Michael Douglas) talked about how important it was to buy flowers himself, from the local flower shop  because it would mean more/be more sincere that way.
And next time you're having an event in Boston, ring up Towne. Ask for Terri and tell her Rick at Exotic Flowers sent you.

Tags: President, Towne, President Bush, Presidental Flowers, Presidents Like Flowers

What is National Make Someone Smile Week ?

Posted by Rick Canale on Sun, Jul 22, 2012

Happy Flowers in Boston 

Sponsored by Telelfora, National Make Someone Smile Week 2012 (July 22 thru 28), is all about making others happy with the gift of flowers. Throughout the country thousands of local florists will deliver more than 30,000 smiley face mug arrangements. Scientific studies guarantee that flowers make people happy.

Of these 30,000 bright colored fresh flower arrangements, some will go to hospital patients, foster care children, Meals on Wheels residents and nursing home residents. As a National Account in good standing with Teleflora, the staff at Exotic Flowers is honored to be associated with this humanitarian program.

The 2005 Rutgers University study: 

Research Findings

A team of researchers explored the link between flowers and life satisfaction in a 10-month study of participants' behavioral and emotional responses to receiving flowers. The results show that flowers are a natural and healthful moderator of moods.

    1. Flowers have an immediate impact on happiness. All study participants expressed "true" or "excited" smiles upon receiving flowers, demonstrating extraordinary delight and gratitude. This reaction was universal, occurring in all age groups.
    2. Flowers have a long-term positive effect on moods. Specifically, study participants reported feeling less depressed, anxious and agitated after receiving flowers, and demonstrated a higher sense of enjoyment and life satisfaction.
    3. Flowers make intimate connections. The presence of flowers led to increased contact with family and friends.

    "Common sense tells us that flowers make us happy," said Dr. Haviland-Jones. "Now, science shows that not only do flowers make us happier than we know, they have strong positive effects on our emotional well being."

    Tags: Rutgers Floral Study, Floral Design, Make Someone Smile Week, SAF, Teleflora

    Joe Guggia and the Stud's Guide for Buying Flowers

    Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Jul 20, 2012

    The Stud%27s Guide For Cover for Kindle resized 600
    This fun and informative flower buying guide is a testament to the value of forming a relationship with a local retail florist, like Exotic Flowers in Boston.   While using "sexual rewards" as a premise to grab your attention. "The Stud's Guide for Buying Flowers..." covers flower purchases for all relationships, personal and professional. 
    Using humor to add to the guide's value, author and floral designer extraordinarie Joe Guggia, AIFD hits the nail on the head and really puts it out there for the world to understand this journey and take advantage of the "rewards" flower gifting can bring.
    In Joe's own words, " So Why The Hell Do I need To Read This Thing?

     

    I have a news flash for all you studs that is going to change your life and make me the most awesome guy you know: buying flowers for your wife, partner, mistress, lover or whomever you’re sleeping with is the best thing you can do for your sex life and all around well-being.  While you might be one of those guys that wants to blurt out “but flowers are expensive!” stop that crap right this second and listen to what I have to say.   Trust me that by spending a few bucks here and there on flowers, you can become a wanted lover that will turn your sometimes boring sex life into the romantically overheated experience you want and need.    Know that giving beautiful flowers is an asset to your daily life that will make all your relationships (family, friends, lovers, fellow workers) respond in a positive way to your being.

     joe guggia resized 600

     This world is definitely full of constant surprises and changes at a moment’s notice.  Everyday we’re confronted with something new that grabs our balls and tests us to the max. We get up and go about life hoping that at least one thing we do really makes a difference in our world and the world of those around us.  But sometimes there are those crappy things that get the best of us and we just want to run a hundred miles an hour and yell ”screw you!” at the top of our lungs.

    We feel that way sometimes, friggn’ overwhelmed and just plain tired of all the crap that’s thrown our way.  So buying flowers should be one of those experiences we can handle easily and not be confused about.  It’s the kind of experience you should want to do over and over again so you can give that someone special in your life a great gift that they’ll love you up for.  With proper flower buying knowledge you can learn to give something beautiful and get back what you’re hoping for ten fold.  This fact has been proven over and over again, has gone on for centuries and will continue to go on for centuries more.  Humans are created that way, responding in an incredibly positive way to receiving nature’s gift of flowers for any and every occasion.

    So trust me and take a few minutes away from that game, food, garage or whatever the hell has your attention. Read and absorb what I have to say.  Follow the techniques I explain in this flower buying bible and be ready to learn how the simplest of bouquets will show them how hot you think they are.     This floral education is sure to get your special someone right where you want them to be, ready and willing to reward you with the best “thank you” you could ever imagine.  And if you were only reading this because someone threw it in front of you and said “Honey, read this!” don’t give them any flack and just do it.  This will be the one time you’ll be damn glad you did!"

    A few chapter titles include: 

     

    Chapter 1:  Monkey Men Had It Goin’ On

    Chapter 2:  The Village of Testosterone

    Chapter 3:  Men, It’s A Brave New World:  The Cyber Florist Seduction

    Chapter 4:  Money Will Feed The Beast

    Chapter 5:  The New Hottie and The Village Screamers

    Chapter 6:  In-House Tail Maintenance

    Chapter 7:  Flowers Vs. Plants: Testes On The Cutting Block

    Chapter 8:  Sexy Roses of a Different Color

    Chapter 9:  Mommy and Friends Need Lovn’ Too

    Chapter 10:  The Neighborhood Piss Off

    Chapter 11:  Kiss Some Corporate Ass!

    Chapter 12:  Hasta La Vista, Baby…

    The Last Word:  And This Ass Bite Has More To Say?

    This book is a keepsake and should have made the Exotic Flowers in Boston Summer reading list. Special thanks to Joe for sharing his talents with the world.

    Tags: Floral Design, AIFD, Joe Guggia, Author, Books, Florist Blogger

    Pizza ? Chinese Food ? Florist ? Who Are the Best in Boston ?

    Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, Jul 18, 2012

    best boston florist resized 600 

    On Tuesday July 17th, 2012 the Langham Hotel in Boston hosted the Improper Bostonian's Boston's Best Awards. For the event, the floral design staff at Exotic Flowers created dozens of flower arrangements in purple and gold. For the first time, Exotic Flowers was awarded as Boston Best Florist by The Improper Bostonian Magazine.  This best florist award has been collected by Boston floral icons Ilex and Winston Flowers in the past. Being recognized as Boston's Best puts Exotic Flowers in great company with places like Pizzeria Regina (best pizza), Legal Seafoods (Best Outdoor Dining), and J.P. Licks (best ice cream).

    best florist in boston resized 600

    Being recognized as Boston's best also puts award winners under the microscope. Who is to say that Pizzeria Regina is better than Santarpio's or that Bernard's is better than Seven Star Street Bistro ? Awards like these do create a lot of buzz and recognition and I am certain that many of Stapleton Florist's customers are wondering how Exotic Flowers was considered the best florist in Boston.

    boston

     

    Tags: Pizza, Seven Star Street Bistro, Boston Florist, Pizzeria Regina, Improper Bostonian

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