Exotic Flowers in Boston

It’s not bad enough that we are stuck in the house while mounds and mounds of snow pile up outside our doors but do we really have to suffer actual physical damage incurred by the storms, too?  Statistics show that in the Boston area alone, homeowners will suffer detrimental costs rising above 2.4 million dollars due to the destruction of snow, ice and water that a winter season will produce.  New Englanders have seen it all including flooded basements, leaky roofs, and my favorite- ice dam destruction.  Recently over the last storm, my home was affected by this annoying, depressing and expensive form of winter weary, which ruined not only the above ceiling panel but also the freshly coated paint that I applied during the first snowstorm. 

                                                      photo credit: Wikipedia

But what actually is an ice dam?  How does it occur?

Ice dams are formed when icicles are produced on the eaves after snowfall has accumulated on a building’s roof.  They might look beautiful but the truth is, the ice stops a gutter’s natural water flow from evacuating the area of a house properly, which causes water leakage into the home.   Common outcomes of damage caused ice dams include sagging roofs, ceiling leakage and at the very least wood and wall rot.  Severe circumstances can also affect the attic where water seeps into the structure, eventually producing mildew and mold, a serious health hazard for you and your family. 

                                     photo credit: bobvila.com

So now that we all know what an ice dam is, what can we do to fix the problem if it occurs?  Well, my favorite answer that I received after my own situation was, “nothing”.  You have to have to wait until the snow and ice melt from your roofs and honestly, if you first see the signs that this kind of disaster is occurring, you just might have to wait it out until repairs can be made during better weather. 

Can Bostonians be proactive before an ice dam occurs?

                                     photo credit: structuretech1.com

Well, through careful research, experts have made a few suggestions that might defer this nasty winter effect but unfortunately, most of the advice only pertains to homes that are low enough to the ground to reach the upper gutters.  Building contractors have offered the advice to take women’s nylons and fill them with calcium chloride.  Lay them across the areas where ice dams could erupt and this should stave off the freezing until the storm passes.  Ice rakes can also be used to scrape off the snow from shingles that are reachable.  If you are like me with a roof height too distant to reach with a rake or utility ladder, you have to think about using heated cables to defrost ice dams and prevent chronic episodes.  Place them in a zigzag pattern across your shingles and cross your fingers.  They just might work!

Suzie Canale,

Westwood, MA

Suzie has been actively breaking iciciles, raking snow and catching the drips at her home in Westwood, MA.

Love is in the air so that must mean that Valentine’s Day is will be here soon!  If you are revving up to wine and dine your sweetheart, make sure that you’ve planned ahead and ordered a beautiful bouquet of roses from your local florist.  Why purchase professionally designed bouquets in?  Yes, grocery stores, super stores and even gas stations are supplying a few dozens for a quick and easy cash and carry but I warn you-you’ll be better off putting in the extra effort with a visit to a real florist.  For the last several years, the debate has been growing on whether spending the extra time and doe is really worth it?  One side of the fence claims that the flowers look exactly the same and smell exactly the same so “a rose is just a rose”?  Coming from twenty years in the wholesale flower business, I can promise you that this statement couldn’t be anymore false and here’s why…

Professional flower buyers are knowledgeable about their product in a variety of areas.  For start, they’ve been trained to distinct between fresh and stale blooms, which in all honesty, most customers cannot do on their own until their purchases croak prematurely.  If by small chance, your unsatisfactory bouquet was bought from a flower shop, you’ll have a better chance of getting a refund where as a secondary carrier is more likely to laugh in your face.  Reason number two in trusting a florist with your Valentine’s Day order is for the simple reason that their designers will create pieces precisely made for you instead of generic vases that are pre-made.  Seasoned specialists not only can manifest your preferences but also suggest new styles and varieties just perfect for you!  Another reason to do things the right way is because these greenery companies keep the market moving with flowers flown in from around the world.  Wal-Mart and Cosco don’t.  Business owners spend years developing relationships with suppliers in countries from Holland, New Zealand, France, Ecuador, Japan and China (just to name a few) to assure that their orders are filled with only the best selection available.  In turn, the growers remain sustainable, which then results in higher quality of crops and new hybrid breeds. 

So you see, it’s a win - win situation when deciding to support your local flower shop instead of cutting corners by falling for a quick and cheap Valentine’s Day arrangement.  You’ll soon understand the undeniable superb presentation of professionally designed flowers that are sure not to disappoint even the most finicky holiday dates. 

Suzie and Rick Canale, Westwood MA 

Floral Photo Credit: Aboutflowers.com Flower Factor

Boston’s not the only city gearing up for a spectacular Valentine’s Day!  Hollywood starlets are reeling in the upcoming holiday events with plans of glamorous wardrobes, decadent restaurant cuisine and most importantly, their exquisite bouquets of flowers!  Top actresses of the silver screen each appreciate a specific variety of blossoms congruent to their own style and personalities, which engage specialized California florists within the challenge of meeting each expectation.  While some prefer the traditional bundle of roses, others prefer a more symmetrical design of orchids and grape vine branches causing the pros to stock up on a wide spectrum of blooming goodies.  Judging from the previous trends that these A-Listers have promoted in the past, here are the Valentine’s Day arrangement predictions for 2015. 

Jennifer Aniston

What does Justin Theroux give his newly Golden Globe nominee fiancée, Jen Anniston, for Valentine’s Day flowers when he really wants to impress her?  Something sweet, something bright, something that says Malibu beach girl of course!  Since the actress’s favorite color is blue (she loves the ocean) and she propels an easy going but streamlined presence, I would go with blue hybrid delphinium as the sure fire winner.  The stocky stems giving off a “bang” reaction and can be arranged on their own with that “no fuss” attitude Ms. Aniston seems to play off so well. 

Tori Spelling

The new mom of four has had a tough year so far so her husband Dean McDermott better get his act together quick when it comes to giving his wife a perfect floral bouquet this February.  Although the actress loves the shade of green, she is a known gardener and says that her dream is actually to become Martha Stewart!  Dean might like to take this information and request a miniature gardeners box from his florist who can line the container with green moss and plant miniature plants inside.  The presentation is stunning and gives the “long lasting” impression instead of a dozen roses that might die in a week.  This might be a better theme for him to stick to considering his present marital state. 

Angelina Jolie

Since her nemeses, Jen Aniston, loves blue so much, I would bet that Angelina is going to want the complete opposite.  Mr. Pitt should be mindful of giving his wife anything that says, “common” like roses or tulips, it’s just not a good match for the woman who seeks to step over every line of “ordinary”.  Sophisticated but definitely possessing a dark side, a vase full of white Philanopsis might lighten this actresses aura while also complicating her sleek outer image.  These orchids require little to know maintenance, which also may come in handy while parenting six children with Brad.  Another option is to utilize her love for black by requesting black callas that are also durable and impress a larger than life impact.

Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon has always been one of my favorites because of her down to earth appeal yet clever theatrical skills.  While I think her husband, Jim Toth, could almost do no wrong in the flower department since she’s bound to love anything he gives her, I would recommend using some of her huge accomplishments this year to guide his floral picks.  Since Reese’s new movie, “Wild” has done so well, playing this theme by choosing “wild flowers” would show how proud he is of her and convey a loving supportive gesture to hi wife.  The southern belle is bound to love the thought and appreciate the beauty in whimsical creative design. 

  Suzie and Rick Canale, Chestnut Hill, MA January 2015

Suzie will have a front row seat on Oscar night from her home in Westwood, MA.

It’s Valentine’s Day and you need to come up with a bundle of gorgeous roses asap but aren’t sure what to get.  If you’re like most guys, a dozen red will do but I’ll have you know that you may not want to choose the color so quickly without a little research first.  Did you know that a pink tinted flower could send an entirely different message than perhaps roses in the shade of purple?  Or how about white petals instead of yellow?  It’s true that each color option reveals an individual theme so it’s important to select the one that correctly portrays your feelings.  You might think its ridiculous that any woman would ever fall for an impression based solely on the color of a rose but I assure you, it has happened before.  Would you want to imply marriage to a girl that you simply wanted to recognize as a good friend?  How about giving the intention of affection when you really wanted to send your condolences?  I’m telling you, this is a crucial step in choosing the proper Valentine’s Day roses for your sweetheart.  Here is an easy to follow guide that outlines the shade and meaning of each variety of rose available to you this holiday.

                 Color                                                       Meaning

           White Rose                                Innocence; I'm worthy of you.

        Burgundy Rose                                      Unconscious Beauty: Beauty Within

        Lavender Rose                                           Affection; Enchantment

           Green Rose                                         Envy; Infatuation

            Light Pink                                    Grace; Friendship; Joy

              Yellow                                             Joy; Friendship; Let Us Forget

            Magenta                                 Encouragement; Message of Love

          Dark Pink                                               Thankfulness

            Orange                                               Variety; Creativity; Fascination

             Peach                                                Desire; Gratitude; Appreciation

              Red                                      Love; Passion; Respect; I Love You.

            Purple                                               Reward of Virtue; Worthy of Royalty

              Blue                                                          Mystery

          Rainbow                                                  Party Time

Now that you’ve perused the list and probably found the appropriate shade matching your intention for this holiday, it’s time to pick up that phone and order your Valentine’s Day flowers today!  Don’t forget to mention to the sales representative the specifics of your order and request that no substitutions be made just in case there is a diminished supply of your selection.  If this should occur, never underestimate the power of a pretty mixed bouquet and a great bottle of wine!

 Patriots Fan Suzie Canale at her Westwood home.

Suzie loves garden roses.

You’ve bought the candy, made the reservation at her favorite restaurant and now its time to order flowers.  You’ve decided to go with a pretty mix of vibrant colors instead of the traditional red roses and you’re feeling pretty good about the Valentine’s Day plans you’ve made so far.  There’s just one small problem…what do you say on the card to make her really understand your deep felt sentiments?  It has to be personal, original, meant for her eyes-only but what words do you choose to say? 

Relax, there’s a simple model for successfully conquering this common anxiety ridden task.  The first thing that needs to be done is to truly understand what feelings you want to convey.  Is it love or lust?  Is the relationship casual or serious?  How long have you been together?  Is this a long-standing partnership or brand new?  What about her personality?  Is she romantic, creative, sensitive or funny?  See, all of these aspects must be weighed before taking out that pen to scribe your feelings.  Unfortunately, a message ill written or taken the wrong way may be destructive to your relationship with your Valentine so your card has to be clear.  Once you’ve decided which thematic path you wish to travel on, commit and select the perfect message that conveys those feelings.  These are a few of my favorites that have put a smile on my face. 

For the Valentine whose put in her time over the years:

Cupid’s aim is still pretty good!

For the 1-2 year relationship:

With you, it’s Valentine’s Day 365 days of the year.

For the 70’s peppy music lover:

How sweet it is, to be loved by you!

For the 80’s sentimental music lover:

You take my breadth away….

For the unsuspecting Valentine:

Be Mine

For the math loving Valentine:

You + Me = Forever     or       You + Me + Perfect

For the exotic romantic language loving Valentine:

Je t’aime

For the Poetry lover:

Even in a fairy tale where every dream comes true, I could never hope to find a husband/wife as sweet as you.

For the “Working Things Out” Valentine:

The best proof of love is trust

Suzie and Rick Canale were married on July 12, 2003. Their wedding song was Love by Nat King Cole.

What is the top gift for women on Valentines Day?  Is it a box of chocolates or a dozen red roses?  Those gifts are certainly popular but lingerie remains the top requested item for the holiday.  The reason is because lace and silk make a woman feel sexy, appealing and most importantly, wanted by her someone special.  Now this can sometimes become problematic for the shy guy unwilling to brave it alone through stores selling undergarments.  We have all seen that male customer enter Victoria Secrets with a hat pulled down over his eyes and that hilarious stutter when a sales person asks if she can help him find anything in particular.  It can be a rough task but knowing beforehand exactly what you want to purchase takes a whole lot of pressure off.  How are you supposed to know what she likes?  Research is the key and here are a few tips to get you started.

Color plays a huge impact when buying bras, underwear, teddies or nightgowns.  Certain shades reflect certain personalities and role-playing so take a little time to notice what her tastes and preferences are in the bedroom.  White can be a great choice which represents more of the “play hard to get” kind of girl but black might also be the way you want to go if she’s more of an exotic or serious partner.  Red works well for women who love playing the seductress and pink pairs well with the flirtatious type.  Yellow and blue are your safety picks when you’re not quite ready to choose a bedroom personality for her yet.  If you really want to indulge in the fantasy, buy her something in purple, which stands for passion and sexuality.

Body types can determine the right style for your sweetheart so it’s another area that you need to pay close attention to.  Take notice what her best physical assets are (legs, back, use your imagination) and select outfits that show them off.  Silk slip nightgowns are really flattering on a full size woman as is a great bustier.   Bra and panty sets are perfect for a woman with height and for the slighter gal, a teddy combination with wrap is the right choice.  If she’s on the petite side, try a two-piece thong and push up bra made solely of lace.  Several lingerie companies suggest purchasing a robe to accompany the undergarments bought making this truly a romantic gift tailored specifically for your special someone. 

 So you’ve figured out a plan and now you need to know where to go.  Victoria Secret is the heavy hitter in this category and has several locations around the Boston area including Copley Place, Newbury Street, Legacy Place and Faneuil Hall.  If you want to try somewhere else, check out Intimacy, also in Copley Place, La Perla on Huntington Avenue, and Forty Winks in Cambridge.  All of these companies carry high-end , beautiful sleepwear that also promises to “wow” your girl this Valentines Day!

 Suzie and Rick Canale, Chestnut Hill MA January 2015

Roses may seem to be the major player on Valentine’s Day but the truth is, not everyone likes roses.  I know there are other flowers to choose from such as lilies, tulips, hydrangea and other beautiful blossoms that florists carry for the holiday but in some circumstances, there are women who just don’t enjoy cut flowers as a gift.  It may be the maintenance of changing murky water or the disappointment when petals drop and die too soon but whatever the case, that bouquet just might not impress your lady.  Does this mean nix the call to your florist altogether?  Of course not!  You’ll need their help more than ever in choosing just the right Valentine’s Day presentation that is sure to get her heart pumping.  One suggestion that I know they’ll give is the option of plants instead of flowers.  If you think about it, this is a great idea since there is a variety to pick from with breeds ranging from color, scent, expense, life expectancy and caring instructions.  I’ve broken down a few types of plants to match particular women’s personalities.  Does your sweetheart match any of these?

Busy but Grateful

Look, she appreciates the gesture and all but this girl simply does not have the time to take care of a needy plant.   Honestly, you love this all business attitude of hers and like her independent personality so why send her a different message in the flowers you give her for Valentines Day?  Try ordering a white Phalaenopsis plant, which is both classy and easily taken care of on its own with the exception of occasional watering.  Another great option is a bamboo creation that is both eye pleasing and fuss free.   It will look great in her apartment and also remind her that you support her individuality and determination.

Sweet and Sentimental

You have a few choices if you’re lucky to be gifting a woman who’s not necessarily into cut flowers but adores the romantic act of a sweet and sentimental present.  It’s likely that she feels this way because she hates to see living things die so be mindful of long lasting selections.  Leaning towards flowering plants such as spray roses, hydrangea or heather is just the right fit for this type.  The presentation is warm and loving while still respecting her taste.   Great color choices for this category are pink, red and blush, which perfectly match this theme of romantic and beautiful flowering plants. 

Edgy and Modern

This girl is a challenge because she likes to promote her contemporary yet edgy appeal, the characteristics that got you to fall for her in the first place.  Its not that she’ll kill anything quickly or be saddened if a bouquet dies too fast, it’s more likely that she wants to think she’s beyond the traditional Valentine’s Day greenery.  Try asking for planters of Bromeliad, Calla Lilies or Cyclamens.  They make a stunning presentation and she’ll love your boldness made by this modern move!

 Suzie & Rick Canale, Westwood, MA

Suzie loves plants and repots herbs and orchids during the winter.

Valentine’s Day is one of the biggest gift-giving holidays of the year specializing in flowers, chocolates, jewelry and lingerie.  On February 14^th, women all over the country will be unwrapping treats from their sweethearts with romantic and sentimental gestures in mind.  Wait a minute, what about a gift for him?  Ok, so he leaves toothpaste in the sink and sometimes snores too loud but all in all, he’s a great guy and maybe it’s time to reciprocate the gesture with a thoughtful present this year.  You might think that there’s no real appropriate Valentine’s gift for a man since it may seem kind of sappy but with some careful research, you can find something perfect for him.  Don’t kid yourself, men like attention just as much as we do although they may seem to hint otherwise.  Valentine’s Day treats can be meant for both him and her so be mindful not to forget your sweetheart this February!

For the Foodie

There are a lot of great gifts you can grab for the guy who loves food such as a gift card to his favorite restaurant or a cookbook written by his most talked about chef.  Great suggestions include southern barbecue publications, the “Food Truck” compilation and “Heritage” written by Sean Brock.  Make sure the cookbook reflects his tastes and you might just inspire him to do more of the cooking in the future!  If you want to add a great accessory, pick up the flick, “Chef” (my husband's favorite movie in 2014) starring Jon Favreau to go with it.  He’ll love brushing up on how to make his top dishes and I promise, he’ll love the movie too!

For the Sports Guy

Ok, the football thing can drive us nuts sometimes but he loves it so why not pick him up a couple of tickets to the next Patriots, Celtics, Bruins or Red Sox game?  He can take one of his buddies so he can truly enjoy the experience and you can head to the spa for your own entertainment.  It’s a win win present for both of you!

For the Guy’s Who’s Always On Time.  Or Late.

Men love watches for several reasons.  They’re stylish, fashionable man jewelry and assists in getting them to where they need to go.  Now we’re not talking Rolex here, just a nice piece that looks great at an affordable price.  Several companies exist who provide these but you might want to check out Timex’s “Weekender” watch that has a cool wrist band, contemporary sporty face and awesome affordability in price. 

For the Cocktail Guy

These are so cool, there’s no doubt he’ll flip when he unwraps them.  “Double Walled Whiskey Glasses” are the newest rave in barware and are so visually appealing that they can be used for a variety of other purposes. Designed in ultra thick glass, the cups are formed in an oval shape with two layers displaying both the beverage and a beautiful sheen from reflected light.  The chic presentation will surely have your guy’s heart thumping this Valentine’s Day!

 Suzie and Rick Canale together since 2000. 

Children have amazing little minds because they often learn the first key components of a new concept through words and images found in picture books.  For my five-year-old son, it was books where he learned all about Christmas, Thanksgiving and Halloween including the colors and traditions associated with these holidays.  Now that Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I’ve made a conscience effort to search far and wide for the best picture books, which explain this time for red and pink hearts.  I look for stories that have a clear story, are simple enough to apply to things he actually sees around him and ones that contain illustrations which legitimately reflect common images related to Valentine’s Day.  Incredibly enough, more and more authors are choosing to write about February 14^th making it easier for us parents to select the right material appropriate for our children.  After carefully reading the selection available in my local library I came up with these beautiful children’s books that are perfectly paired with the spirit of Valentine’s Day. 

Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse

By Laura Joffe Numeroff

From the author of, “If You Give A Mouse A Cookie” is the Valentine’s Day inspired board book, “Happy Valentine’s Day Mouse”.  Geared towards toddlers and early reading youngsters, mouse begins to make his valentines for friends and then explains the reasons why he loves them each.  The story is very simplistic to understand and contains bold illustrations that are easy to follow along with the story. 

Llama Llama I Love You

Anna Dewdney

Another hit series writer, Anna Dewdney, writes and illustrates this lovely holiday accompaniment to her other “Llama Llama” books with a fresh and sweet story about giving hugs and hearts for Valentine’s Day.  Published as a board book, this is great for the young readers who are learning to sound out words and also a great gift for the teeny weenie reader who may have destructible hands. 

The Land of Chocolate Cosmos

Suzie Canale

“The Land of Chocolate Cosmos” is filled with a delicious “chocolate” theme, which we all know is symbolic of Valentine’s Day.  Written with a sweet message regarding the importance of recycling, kids will drool over the scrumptious images illustrated by Kevin Coffey while learning a valuable lesson about preserving our natural resources.   This is a wonderful book for kindergarteners through 2^nd grade.

 Suzie and Ryan Canale, Boston 2014

In addition The Land of Chocolate Cosmos, Suzie has published three other children's books. They are available to purchase at Exotic Flowers in Boston or available at The Westwood Public Library.

Bostonians are already booking their romantic dinner reservations for Valentine’s Day and are wondering what are the hotspots for February 2015?  If you’ve begun the search, you already know that there are a ton of options available to you, which can be like finding a needle in a haystack.  Not to worry there’s an easy way to find your perfect dining locale by asking yourself a few questions first.   What type of ambiance do you desire?  Which variety of cuisine are you hoping to eat?  What is your meal expenditure?  Are you looking for entertainment during your date or maybe a quiet and secluded environment?  These are important issues when designing a successful Valentine’s Day experience and will provide you with the useful information needed to make the correct choices.  For me, I prefer Italian food or fish rather than steak house menus and love a candlelit room but dislike it when you can barely see the person across from you.  (Last week I actually went to a restaurant where it was so dark, I couldn’t find my way out of the bathroom.)  So it might be wise to get a good feel for your partner’s tastes before booking a table.  Check out these Bean Town eateries that have always made my Valentine’s Day list and see if they are the right fit for you and your sweetheart!

Capital Grille

250 Boylston Street, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467

(617) 928-1400

This has been one of my haunts since moving into the city and I can honestly say that you almost can’t go wrong with anything ordered off the menu.  Although yes, it’s a steakhouse, they offer a variety of other delicious dishes including plank salmon and seasonal halibut with heirloom tomatoes.  The sides are incredible as well, specifically the sautéed spinach, mashed potatoes and frites.  I also highly recommend the Caesar salad and French onion soup that are definitely the best Ive tasted anywhere in Boston.

Towne Stove and Spirits

The Shops at the Prudential Center

900 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02115

(617) 247-0400

This is a great place to go because its location is directly next to the Prudential Center where there is an abundance of shopping and live entertainment including jazz music, piano bars and dance clubs.  The food is pretty good too where they offer a wide variety of gourmet induced cuisine such as their lobster pizza.  The chef prepares several shellfish concoctions including shrimp and lobster but allows a healthy selection of steak, poultry and duck for you meat lovers out there.  This is the place for you if you’re an adventurer in the kitchen and it’s likely that you’ll appreciate their interesting spin on popular restaurant dishes. 

 Suzie and Rick Canale January, 2015 Chestnut Hill MA