Exotic Flowers in Boston

Boston is one of the best places to visit during the Christmas season because there are loads of fun things to do with your friends and families!  Whether you are interested in lights, physical activity or the arts, visitors will not be disappointed with the array of events that this city provides for the yuletide season.  Don’t be intimidated by thoughts of exorbitant expenses for high ticket prices or admittance fees, I assure you there is plenty to do without having to break the bank.  This is the time of year to enjoy quality time with your loved ones, and you shouldn’t have to spend huge amounts of money to partake in the wonderful Christmas activity that Bean Town provides.  Here are some of my favorite things that put me in the holiday spirit while visiting Boston.

                    photo credit: bostonballet.org

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker is a time-honored tradition that Bostonians have enjoyed for decades.   The dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies, the Land of Sweets and the running of the mice are exciting to watch as ballet dancers float across the stage and captivating music is played composed by the infamous Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.  Costumes and stage design are also magnificent aspects of this production and are sure to inspire the joy of Christmas to whomever takes a seat in the theater.  Tickets are on sale at the Boston Opera House and shows run from December 3^rd to December 31^st with ticket prices ranging from the low one hundreds to above.  Perfect for children, you wont be disappointed in the amazing cast, music and directing of The Boston Nutcracker. 

        photo credit: bostonfrogpond.com

Frog Pond Skating

Get your coats, scarves and mittens on and high tale it over to the Frog Pond located in the Boston Common of downtown Boston.  Skaters come from all over to take their turn gliding across the pristine ice while watching the stunning Boston skyline scrawl across the city.  Amenities include the Frog Pond Café where you can grab yourself a snack or a cup of hot chocolate to warm your bones.  You can even book the rink for holiday parties or schedule lessons for the kids!  The pond is open daily at 10 am only costs $5.00 for those over 58 inches tall and is absolutely FREE for under.  

                                          photo credit: nytimes.com

Faneuil Hall Shopping

If you are a shopper at heart, you won't want to miss the deals going on in the infamous Faneuil Hall Marketplacein Boston.  Packed with every boutique imaginable, you’ll be bedazzled by the Christmas decorations hanging from every ceiling as well as the enchanting carols being played both in person and over the loud speakers.  Be sure to check out the largest Christmas tree in Boston along with international phenomenon Blink light show.   If you would like to attend these events, visit their website for more information.

Suzie & Rick Canale, Westwood, MA 2014

Suzie's husband Rick managed the Exotic Flowers in Faneuil Marketplace from 2001 to 2011.

Christmas music is one of the foremost magical aspects during the yuletide season.  Hymns from long ago allow us to join together in unison whether we are caroling from door to door or listening while sitting in front of an open fire.  Some say that kids today don’t engage enough in this time honored tradition and have raised concern about the future of Christmas music for generations to come.  Will “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire” be a tune of the past?  Not according to these special contemporary artists who have vowed to keep the spirit of the season going for our youth and generate a whole new appreciation for music composed especially for this holiday.  Here is a list of some hot and modern melodies that top artists are promoting this Christmas season.  

“Do They Know Its Christmas” is a classic hymn sang originally by Band Aid in the 1980’s where cause centered towards raising awareness about poverty in Ethiopia.  Due to the recent Ebola breakout, a new band of stars are determined to raise awareness once again, this time by changing the lyrics to reflect the devastating effects that this disease inflicts.  A few of the singers for the project include Bono, Sinead O’Connor, Seal and One Direction, which are sure to succeed in producing a wonderful and memorable rendition of the Christmas song.

Country music lovers are going to flip when they see that an incredible compilation of their favorite southern artists have joined together to release, “Christmas in Nashville”.  Including some of our favorites such as “Santa Baby”, “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and “Blue Christmas”, you will hear the voices of Connie Britton, Will Chase, Aubrey Peeples and many more top chart stars.  Grab your CD today, I promise listeners will be in awe of the beautiful carols performed with a soothing country flair!

If you are looking for something from a few of our favorite pop artists, try Kristen Chenoweth’s new release, “ A Lovely Way To Spend Christmas” or “Christmas (Please Baby Come Home)” by Melissa Etheridge who puts an edgy rock appeal to classics like “O Night Divine”.    Sixpense None the richer is also on board with a couple of great Christmas melodies in their CD, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”.   Sarah Brightman, Faith Hill and the infamous Aretha Franklin can be added to your list of digital downloads this holiday, too!

  Suzie Canale, Westwood, Massachusetts 2014

Suzie can be found enjoying music in her car, at her home in Westwood, at the gym and while dancing with her husband,

Great Colors for Hanukkah Arrangements

Hanukkah is a special time to celebrate with friends and family where the festivities include beautiful candles, delicious foods and elaborate decorations, particularly floral centerpieces.  Traditionally, the colors used within the arrangements made for The Holiday of Lights are blue and white but that doesn’t mean that we can’t step out of our comfort zone and try new palettes of design!  Hanukkah demonstrates an explosion of color throughout the flickering of menorah light and scrumptious homemade cuisine so why not incorporate these two concepts together?  Now, you’re probably thinking that contemporary vase work ideas will be too ostentatious, perhaps composed of chartreuse and hot pink, a combination maybe be unsuitable for your holiday table but I assure you there is another way…

How about we mix and match using some of the more recognized colors with a new flash of color!  Although there are millions of combinations, these are my favorites for Hanukkah celebrations!

Blush, cream and white are extraordinary together because they compliment one another to blend a stunning and elegant floral presentation.  Beautiful as a larger center centerpiece or utilized within small accented bud vases, these tones create the ideal dining décor by promoting a stately but relaxing visual appeal.  White flowers are numerous in many species but hydrangea, lisianthus and roses are excellent choices.  Hydrangea also works well within the cream category as well as roses and lisianthus.  For your blush, spray or garden roses are very sweet or you can pick gerberas as the pink accent, which can be bought in many varying shades.  If you still think your vase needs a little added color, carefully tuck a conservative amount of greenery sporadically throughout the arrangement.  My go to greens are usually October weed, lady’s mantle or lambs ear.

You’d be surprised but blue can be easily intertwined with yellow so keep this in mind as a possible option for your Hanukkah florals.  The bold colors are sensational and reflect the theme of light, joy and happiness quite well.  If the pairing is too bright for your taste, try mixing in a few stems of white or cream to soften the look.  September weed, freesia or lace flower are great choices because of their breezy and flexible appearance.  Stay away from larger headed blooms such as white pom poms, tulips or lilies because they will clump up the piece and deter from the grandeur style that we’re shooting for.   For your blues, try stocks of delphinium, mountain thistle, statice or hydrangea.   Possible yellows could include roses, freesia, sunflowers, lilies or even football mums but this shade is also available in a massive selection so select something that really reflects what you love!

all photos in this blog post can be attributed to Flower Factor and Aboutflowers.com

 Suzie Canale, Boston MA Summer 2014

Suzie grew up in Andover, MA and is a graduate of Salem State College.

We all know there are a million things to get done during the month of December in order to prepare for one of the biggest holidays of the year, Christmas!  Our lists are long and we sometimes find ourselves overwhelmed with trying to accomplish an impossible tally of tasks, at the end feeling apprehensive, uneasy and exhausted.  Well, that’s not the way the holiday season should be at all!  Christmas is about being together and enjoying the special spirit the yuletide season summons in all of us.  So how do we fix the Christmas frenzy of anxiety?  We get organized with a simple calendar that will help us get all of our undertakings accomplished while still having fun and enjoying Christmas for all of the magic that it brings.  Here is a schedule that works for me but design yours to suit your specific needs and agenda.

December 1^st    Break out the Christmas Advent for the Kids. Lego offers a really cute one with a new mini set daily. 

December 2^nd   Begin preparing the house for decorations by storing excess clutter

                            and knickknacks. 

 December 3^rd   Lights go up outside - white lights are my favorite!

 December 4^th  My husband's birthday. The Christmas Wreath is hung on the door and the Christmas cards are addressed. The Jimmy Fund offers beautiful holiday cards that Exotic Flowers send to its top clients.

 December 5^th   Make a complete list of gifts for family and friends.  It’s better to plan

                          ahead to defer from going over the budget. 

 December 6^th   Bake a cranberry pie and put in freezer to be stored until Christmas

                          for last minute hostess dessert needs.   

 December 7^th   String the rest of the cranberries for garland.  They are beautiful on

                          The tree!

 December 8^th   Gingerbread House Project Day!  One of the kid’s favorite activities!

 December 9^th    Make sure the kids have made their last and final version of their

                           Christmas lists.  You don’t want any new wish list surprises popping

                           up any later…

 December 10^th  The tree arrives!  Put in stand with water to allow the branches to

                             relax overnight.

 December 11^th  My son Lance's birthday. We have a tradition of putting up ours today. The tree is ready to                         be decorated with lights, tinsel, popcorn strands and ornaments!

 December 12^th   Buy Christmas pajamas for everyone!  Decorate the hearth with

                            candles and balsam garland. 

 December 13^th     Christmas bonuses for the mailman and paperboy. 

 December 14^th    Buy the wine for the holiday table.

                                                  photo credit: honeyandjam.com

December 15^th    Bake sugar cookies for the neighbors and package those that are to

                             be given as small gifts.

 December 16^th    Donate items to the local soup kitchen for their holiday feasts. 

                            make sure to include some children’s books for the kids.           

 December 17^th    Finish up any last minute Christmas present shopping and be

                             officially DONE!

 December 18^th    Plan your menu for Christmas dinner including everything

                             from the main course to the dessert.  Don’t forget the rolls!

 December 19^th     Finish wrapping all of the presents and hide them in the attic. 

December 20^th     Pick up the floral centerpiece from Exotic Flowers in Boston 

December 21^st     Brace yourself-its grocery store shopping day for your holiday

                              food!   

 December 22^nd    Grab stocking stuffers at CVS- make sure you don’t forget the

                              candy canes.

 December 23^rd     Prepare the side dishes that can be refrigerated.  Get as much of

                               the cooking done as early as possible!

 December 24^th    Christmas stockings are hung by the fire and cookies and milk are

                              left by the fireplace for Santa Claus. 

 December 25^th    Christmas Day-Enjoy the holiday with friends and family!

 Suzie Canale at Fenway Park with her boys May 2014.

Suzie will be celebrating this Christmas with her familly at her home in Westwood, MA.

Hollywood starlets are already planning their Thanksgiving meals, some with the help of California’s top chefs who have found delicious new ways to make their mouths water.  You won’t see the typical mashed potatoes, yellow squash and gravy on these tables, no way!  Instead of traditional dishes, recipes are being concocted to alter basic holiday fare into wild and fresh foods fit for the icons of the silver screen.  While some celebrate this family holiday dining out in Hollywood’s hottest restaurants, others choose to stay home with their loved ones.   Either way, these stars no exactly how to celebrate this years special day in style. 

Aniston played a florist in the movie Love Happens.

Jennifer Aniston has long been a lover of the sun and has resided in the area of Malibu, California for decades.  While the beauty loves to celebrate the holiday festivities with zest, rumor has it that Ms. Aniston is a local patron to many of the local restaurants located within the posh, beach friendly area.  Hot spots such as Seasons 52 (which also has a location on route 9 in Chestnut Hill) feature a lovely menu created by Chef Timothy Kast, which advertises sensational meals all under 475 calories, something that definitely attracts the forty something yoga loving actress.  Another possibility as to where you might find her dining might be at Tres by Jose Andres, set in downtown Hollywood.  This restaurant is known for their contemporary style and generous pour of fine wine while offering a warm décor and elite dining experience.  This may very well be Jen’s go to for Thanksgiving since one of their famous dishes is their gnocchi with lobster, a long time favorite delicacy of Aniston’s. And of course, given her experience as a florist actress, you know that flowers will be on the table. 

Jolie is apparently a flower fan as well. Here she is picking up some calla lilies and thistle from a London flower shop.

When you think about Jenn, you can’t help but think of what her famous ex, Brad Pitt, will be up to with his new wife, Angelina Jolie and brood of six children.  Well, interesting enough, the magazine cover family often chooses to stay closer to home when celebrating this November holiday.  Whether habituating inside their French estate, Chateau Miraval, in the south of France or within their mansion nestled in Los Feliz, California, the Jolie-Pitts most likely will be dining on family favorites of spaghetti and meatballs and hotdogs, while the adults finish off a homemade rosemary infused turkey cooked by, you’ll never guess…themselves!  Often this power couple opts out of hiring expensive chefs and rolls up their own sleeves when it comes to Thanksgiving Day dinner, (a refreshing change of pace from most movie headliners).  While Angelina has admitted that neither her nor Brad are always sure of how to prepare the meal, they admit that the experience is always fun as long as the family is together.  After all, that is what Thanksgiving is all about!  

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA 

 Suzie Canale lives in Westwood, Massachusetts with her family. She is an accomplished writer and chef. For Thanksgiving, she will be serving a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Of course, fresh flowers will be on the table.

What’s Thanksgiving in New England without serving up delicious, scrumptious, mouth watering pie?  It’s the dish we look forward to from the moment we step up to the holiday table, allured by sweet scents wafting from the kitchen oven.  Bostonians are particularly lucky because many of the best pies hold ingredients, which are native to our farms and local orchards during this season.  Using native produce within our cooking makes foods even more spectacular, so it’s important to remember to buy or pick within the Boston region whenever possible.  Looking for the perfect pie to bring to the table this Thanksgiving but aren’t sure where to start?  No problem, here are a few of my best New England pie suggestions to get you rolling the baking pin in no time!

                                                                                                       photo credit: Wikimedia

Apple Pie, it’s a classic and there is no denying that it is one of the favorites during the Thanksgiving season, and why shouldn’t it be?  Apples of all kinds are plucked from the regional orchards of Massachusetts, holding the crispest, sweetest (and if you prefer) the tartest fruit just perfect for autumn recipes.  According to and article featured in Bon Appétit written by Chris Morocco, the three top suggested apples to create the filling for this pie are Pink Lady, Granny Smith and Honey Crisp, which all have varying degrees of sweetness and tartness.   Bakers are hinted to taste a sample of each before deciding which variety to use since the selection that is made will drastically affect the taste of the pie once it is completed.  Simple recipes can be found on the websites of Betty Crocker, Pillsbury and the Food Network.  

                                                                  photo credit: TasteOfHome.com

Rhubarb Pie

I’ll admit it; this is hands down my favorite treat of the Thanksgiving season.  Traditional to many New England tables, Rhubarb pie is an interesting concoction, tasting bitter and sweet all at the same time.  With every spoonful, the unusual root never fails to delight eaters with a decadent assortment of flavor while being accompanied by only a few simple ingredients of sugar, flour, butter and salt.  Many bakers are frightened by the seemingly complexity of Rhubarb pie, but I assure you, there’s nothing to it.  According to a recipe found on allrecipes.com, here are the easy steps to making this incredible dessert!

Ingredients: 4 cups of chopped rhubarb, 1 1/3 cups of sugar, 6 table spoons of flour, 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 pre made pastry crust. 

Directions: Preheat Oven to 450 degrees.  Combine sugar and flour and use ¼ of the mixture to sprinkle the bottom of the crust.  Place rhubarb directly over and add remaining flour and sugar over the top.  Slice butter into tablespoons and use as the next layer.  Cover the top with a pre-made crust and bake for fifteen minutes then lower oven temperature to 350 degrees.  Finish baking for forty to forty - five minutes and serve warm.  Trust me, your guests will love it!

                                                                photo credit: Meals.com

Pumpkin Pie

Let’s face it.  You can’t really say your having a New England Thanksgiving without enjoying a pumpkin pie!  This dessert is by far the most popular dish to serve during this holiday and there is a good reason why… Boston is known for their precious patches that reap some of the world’s fines pumpkins.  Working in combination with our warm summers that change into chillier temperatures once the fall rolls around, this creates the perfect environment to raise beautiful, plump and most importantly, tasty fruit that bakers just cant wait to get their hands on!  Pumpkin pie is also popular for its creamy consistency that always pares well with Thanksgiving’s top star, the turkey.  Again, make sure when you begin preparing this dessert to choose a simple recipe where the true pumpkin flavor won’t become over burdened by fancy additives that are just not needed.  Select a really great vanilla bean ice cream to top slices with (Haagen Dazs, it’s the best) and you are all set!

At our home in Westwood, my mom always make certain that we have a delicious selection of traditional pies for dessert. 

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA 

 Suzie will be celebrating Thanksgiving with her two sons, husband, mom and aunt at her home in Westwood. Masschusetts.