Exotic Flowers in Boston

Happy New Year my fellow floral enthusiasts!  It’s a brand-new year and we have safely left 2017 behind us with the hopes that 2018 will definitely be an even better one for us all.  If you’re in the flower biz or just a major flower fan, you’re probably wondering what we can expect for upcoming trends.  I for one, am really excited about what the forecast foresees as the next popular line of design when it comes to arrangements for both weddings and events.  Although there are always the looks that stay with us due to their constant demand in the market, you’ll be pleased to know that expert designers are whipping up a fresh batch of gorgeous blooming expressions which will take 2018 to greater heights than ever before.  Realizing we all have our favorite bouquet combinations and color palettes, there’s still room to expand our taste to include some of these special new creations.  Check them out and see what appeals to you!

Wedding Bells

If you are getting married this year, be on the lookout for the popular arrival of headwear wreaths.  This whimsical natural display appeals to both the environmentalist and the couple hoping to infuse an ethereal feel to the garments worn by flower girls, bridal maids and even the bride herself.  The theme is light and airy combined with an angelic touch that creates a stunning platform to say, “I do.”  Many of these wreaths are made from soft pedaled flowers such as ranunculus, sweet pea and tea roses but others can be constructed using pieces from eucalyptus and magnolia leaves which also work well.  As for bouquets, visionaries predict pink on pink on more pink so if this is your favorite hue- you’re really in luck this 2018.  If this seems a bit much, ask your florist to cut back the tone with hints of gray and white.  By mixing in these colors, you’ll decrease the “pop” of pink while presenting an elegant wedding style.

Party, Party, Party!

When planning a party or other special event this upcoming year, keep in mind the newest tone to create a huge sensation-mauve.  You might be wondering where in the world you’ll be able to find this rare hue but funny enough, there is a list of species which are grown in this exact shade.  My favorites being lisianthus, ranunculus, drumstick allium and sweet pea, which appear almost as a cross between gray and purple.  Pair this with peach, gray, white or cream and you’ll have yourself a beautiful décor!  Just as we discussed previously in the wedding section of this post, don’t be surprised if the pink, pink, pink theme seeps into the realm of 2018 party planning.  Again, if this isn’t your cup of nuts, mix it up with the mauve to cut up the boldness of these arrangements.

one cymbidium orchid stem can be cut in half and used a feature flower in your home for two to three weeks.

As 2016 leaves and 2017 arrives, our hearts and heads are filled with every hope of it becoming the best year ahead of us!  While we celebrate the holiday, I bet many of you took it upon yourself to make a few promises- otherwise known as a “New Year’s Resolution”.  Perhaps it was about changing some un-preferred aspect of daily life such as reading more, shopping less or losing a little weight (it’s time for those last five pounds to go).  Some of you might have wanted to strive for more patience, hope and joy, possibly take more vacations or reconnect with those you’ve lost touch with.  Whatever your resolution may have been, I hope it included something that will make you healthier and happy during the next twelve months.  One idea to enhance the human spirit and mind is to make a conscience effort to place more live plants and flowers throughout your homes.

Dendrobium orchids may be old fashioned for some, but premium stems that have flower buds that reach to the end are majestic and elegant.

I bet you didn’t know this but flowers have actually been proven to elevate a person’s mood thus benefiting their overall health.  Daisies, roses, sunflowers, delphinium or any other species can visually stimulate the frontal lobe of the brain as well as affect sensory arousal from a blossom’s aromatic properties.  Not only does the scent of a flower play a large part in the responsiveness to one’s positive reaction but the color is also a large contributor.  For example, red encourages a seductive, sensual, “search for inner perspective” type nuance while shades like green and yellow suggest a lighter, giddier appeal.  If you frequently experience spouts of depression, try inserting a few small bouquets of orange and purple arrangements in places like the bedroom and living room.  This combination of hues is said to promote mental wellness and balance.  If you find yourself constantly stressed or tense, you’re going to want to choose flowers with soft tones of blue or pink.  These cooler colors bolster a sense of ease and comfort and do best in areas like bathrooms and kitchens.

Star of bethlehem are sturdy and long lasting.

Some of you might say, “Sure, this sounds like a great idea but who’s going to pay for it?”  I understand your concern but in actuality, adding moderate stems of blooms weekly doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.  If you can afford to set up an account with a local florist than go for it but if that’s out of your budget, I’ll give you some hints where to start.  First of all, seek out a nearby farm that might offer year round cut flowers from their greenhouses.  They’ll most likely be pretty affordable and will also sustain an impressive longevity due to freshness.  A second tip is to start your own indoor garden where you can clip blooms throughout the colder seasons and grow outdoors when it warms up.  Bulbs are also a lot of fun to start inside and give off an amazing aroma as well.  

 My husband salvaged the throats on spent cymbidium orchid flowers to offer exquisite detail to this bathroom arrangement.

New Year’s day is the perfect time to reinvent yourself and improving certain areas in your life that might need a little attention.  For many, it starts by making a long list of resolutions, usually having some realistic while others are not. Typically, the most popular are losing weight, getting more exercise and spending more time with those you care about.  We start of with good intentions but many times after week four, those resolutions are merely pleasant afterthoughts of the celebratory season. Why do we forget what we’ve promised?  The answer is that sometimes our ambitions are too difficult to manage or possibly even dull or boring. By using a little creativity, we can make our New Year’s aspirations both plausible and enjoyable!  

The official kick off is on January 1st so it’s important to plan ahead with an activity that will promote your resolutions in a positive and entertaining manner. It’s essential that whatever you do on this holiday will set a solid stage for the eleven months that follow.

photo credit via http://anima.lemerg.com/

Put Your Resolutions in a Bottle

This is a great idea and one that my family engages in annually.  Have each person write down one or two goals for themselves on small pieces of paper.  Roll the paper up and place inside a glass bottle such as an empty wine or coke container.  Cork the top and either bury it in the backyard or toss it in the ocean where it can travel across the world with your hopes and dreams for the upcoming year!  If you’re curious whether you’ve reached those goals by December, simply keep the bottle for yourself and place on the mantle to be opened on New Year’s Eve.  

Get Outdoors

Sure, working out in a gym is good but heading for the great outdoors is even better.  Lucky for us Bostonians, not only do we have a whole new selection of sports to choose from with each change of the season, we also have stunning forests, seashores and mountain ranges to explore!  Hiking, biking, snowshoeing, skiing, skating and ice fishing are all activities that the whole family can enjoy and none of them require hefty membership fees.  Do your homework beforehand to select proper trails and reservation locations and bask in the fresh air and healthy exercise!

Invite the Fam’ Over

Sometimes a good New Year’s resolution starts with promising to spend more time with friends and family.  I like this thought and agree that it should be one of the most important goals for society in general.  You don’t have to hire a caterer or rent out an expensive function room to accomplish this either.  All you have to do is pick up the phone (no texting, please-might be time to cut back on this as well?) and invite your loved ones over for a simple gathering.  Make sandwiches, easy appetizers or better yet, request guests to bring over a small dish.  Lay back, relax, chat, visit, laugh and socialize by simply being with one another!

So now that we’ve blown our brains out on buying gifts for the season, it’s time we tighten up the budget to refill our empty piggy banks.  I know-its like the worst hangover ever when we check our bank statements and see a depleted amount of resources.  Instead of tearing your hair out, cursing that it’s the last time you spend so much money on the holiday season, take a deep breadth, relax and listen to a few tips that are guaranteed to put a spring back in your savings step.  I get the anxiety- I really do because like many people, the January financial reality always makes me a bit panicky, too.  I like to see a nice cushion in my wallet in case disaster strikes where it really is necessary to spend the wad.  I learned long ago that if you can follow a few simple tricks, you’ll soon see those numbers start to climb back up, if not only to be in time for next year’s holiday shopping sprees.  By even taking on one or two of these principles, you’ll begin to see some positive change just by tweaking small areas of your lifestyle.  Good luck and get saving again in the year 2016!

Money Jars

Money jars are the best way to start because most people have at least one penny to empty out of their pockets at the end of the day.  Grab a clear vase, cup or Mason jar, and place it in an area of your home where it’s easy to utilize.  If you really want to have fun with it, choose a holder that isn’t opaque and at the end of the year you’ll be shocked at how much doe you’ve accumulated!

photo credit: Flower Factor

Return Bottles and Cans

This one is a no brainer because not only will it help you regain your losses, it’s a real benefit to our environment!  Get an old trash barrel and toss in those coke and ginger ale empties.  Find a redemption center at a grocery or liquor store and receive your .05 rebate fee!  You might not think it’s much but if you put it aside in a account, the truth will become clear.  I’ve even paid for a significant part of one summer vacation just by using my recycling money.

Eat in More (That Includes Your Coffee Order)

Do you know that on average, Americans spend almost 35% of their paychecks on take out?  From fast food burgers to fancy sit down dinners, we are literally burning our bread by buying food made in someone else’s kitchen!  I know that we all get tired and need a night out at times but if you shave off half of those occurrences, you’ll see how much money you’ll still have left at the end of the week.  If you’re a coffee fiend, you might want to brew your own since most pre-paid coffees go cold half full (not to mention the triple cost as opposed to an at home coffee maker).  Oh, and did I mention the fact that your waistline will thank you, too?  By cooking on your own, you know exactly what’s going into your food, discarding many of the empty calories and unhealthy additives typically found in restaurants.  

Christmas has come and gone but many New England companies have decided to bring the merriment into the beginning of the New Year.  Holiday parties used to be thrown solely in the month of December but with soaring costs and limited time within bustling schedules, many corporations have taken it upon themselves to change the rules a bit.  By arranging employee get-togethers after the traditional season, management departments have found that, attendance higher and party expenses drastically decrease.  Do you know that the rate to book a room in a hotel or restaurant for events in Boston decreases by 25-30% during the first few weeks of the year?   Let’s face it- it’s worth the wait. 

One factor does change, though, with this decision because different flowers are available during different months of the year.  Red, white and green are the number one shades for request during Christmas but do we really want to drag that into a January party?  I don’t think so.  There are ways to incorporate a holiday theme without duplicating the look.   Try using some of the previous seasonal colors with those new to your inventory now.  Some florists attempt to slip in items that didn’t sell for Christmas and in an effort to eliminate them, will place them in your event décor so keep a watchful eye for fresh and contemporary details.  Silver and gold make a wonderful impact since they can be celebratory of New Years but still remindful of previous holiday festivities.  Try to stay away from ornaments, wreathes and trees as decorations, they’ve been done to death at this point.  Select items such as white lights, sparklers and soft shades as accents for linens and dishware.  By using a delicate palette sans the sharpness of green and red, you’ll uplift your guests without weighing them down of memories associated with Christmas colors such as overspending, anxiety of family reunions and ridiculous seasonal tasks.  Leave it where it is and move on. 

There are great options for flowers in the month of January so don’t forget to spend an adequate time investigating your Boston florist.  White in particular, is seen in expansion within tulips, roses, lilies and freesia.  If you’re looking for a bolder look, think about using a mixture of cream and purple to create a dramatic appeal within your arrangements.  You’ll find that amaryllis is grown in deep shades of maroon and is still available during the colder portion of the year.  Gerbera daisies, alstroemaria and Asiatic lilies also offer a comparable presentation but with a lesser cost.  Another idea is to go for a blue theme where you can ask for stems of delphinium or hydrangea to fill the table vases.  Blue is an excellent color that gives centerpieces a “pop” and is representative of the pleasures that the New Year will bring!

 Suzie and Rick Canale, Westwood, MA December 2014

Suzie is already planning her garden for this summer.

The holidays are over, the decorations have been put away for another year and while some find relief in this fact, others can’t help to feel a little blue once January rolls around.  If you’re living in New England, you are well aware of the frigid temperatures, which can be troubling to handle as well.  It’s darker, snowier and most of us are still buffing back our bank accounts from December’s season of spending so it’s no wonder why some of us might struggle through this month.  I know that I was certainly one of them, that is, before I changed my outlook with a few tips and tricks.  This is what worked for me but don’t hesitate to add your own ideas that will lift your spirits and get you back on the happy trails once again!

New Years Resolutions

                                    photo credit: Huffington Post

New Year’s resolutions can actually cheer a person up believe it or not if the goal works to strengthen your serotonin uptake.  Now you may feel the aim has to shoot for the moon but the simpler the better.  Erect a resolution that focuses on positivity such as stopping yourself when trouble arises and utilize problem solving skills instead of giving up or inhibiting a depressed emotion.  Easy change ups in our reactions from positive to negative can do a world of good in alleviating constant non-preferable feelings. Every year, my family and I write our resolutions down and send it out to sea as a message in a bottle.

Movement

                                     photo credit: readersdigest.com.au

It’s a proven fact that physical activity disperses anxiety and depression so if you’ve been hesitant about exercise, now’s the time to get up and moving!  For some people, joining a gym might be the answer but it doesn’t have to be that expensive.  Although Boston has a tendency to be icy which may dissuade from outdoor activity, take a trip to the mall and walk the circuit before stores open.  Another approach could be to watch exercise TV shows, which are prevalent on both local access and On Demand viewing.  Completing a few stretches and leg lifts can even help to get the blood flowing and you’ll be amazed just how bright your outlook begins to escalate!

 Surround Yourself With People

          Sometimes we become down and not realize that the real reason is lack of human contact.  It’s easy to bunker down in our homes when the sky is gloomy and the weather is not ideal.  What we don’t see is that our levels of communication and sense of touch deplete, shutting down the part of the brain that craves social processing.  Without this, the body looks for other ways to satisfy this need such as binge eating and drinking; things that we all know are bad.  Instead, look in your local paper and attend craft shows, bingo games, and community get-togethers or just call a friend up for a warm cup of coffee and the new café in town.  Pretty soon you’ll find your spunk again and be ready for when the spring arrives!

The turkey was unbelievable, the mashed potatoes were scrumptious and the red velvet cake was out of this world but there’s one problem, how are we ever going to button our pants again?  Don’t get me wrong, holiday fare is something that should be experienced with gusto and celebrated with glee amongst family and friends. So what do we do when it’s time to get back into shape?  We’re not going to make yet another New Year’s resolution to get fit and forget about it after a couple of weeks, right?  Let’s pull of f the pounds by tweaking just a little portion of our menus and gently up some of our physical activity instead of crash dieting and grueling exercise programs.  These are a few ideas I’ve used to adjust the holiday waddle in my walk.  Give it a try and lift off the weight from December. 

New memberships to expensive gyms-don’t do it!  You are almost guaranteed to be tempted with a January deal promising an initial low rate but these are just ploys to get your money hoping that you’ll stop working out within a month.  Do you know that fitness facilities have their highest sign up frequencies during the New Year’s resolution period and only 25% percent of new members actually continue to use the facility after two months.  There are cheaper and less manipulative means to get results such as walking a mall that is conveniently stretched in design to resemble a track.  Another great way to get your exercise is to bundle up and head for the outdoors!  I know that it’s cold here in Boston during the winter season but I promise you’ll feel better and get the fresh breadth that your body needs.

                               photo credit: simplyrecipes.com

 Bulk up your fish consumption to get a punch of lean protein and nutritious oils.  Fish has far less fat content than steak, pork or chicken and can be prepared quickly.  Not only does this food increase the body’s metabolic rate but also does wonders for your hair, nails and skin.  Grossed out by the notion of eating these ocean swimmers?  Try salmon for your first attempt and dowse 1 entire lemon over the top and a healthy shaking of Old Bay herb rub.  Bake for 40 minutes at 350 degrees and you’ll be amazed at the taste and incredible weight loss results you will see!

We are all told that fruit should be the number #1 go-to snack but how many of us really do it?  One way to increase the probability of eating these healthy picks is to pre-cut produce such as watermelon, pineapple and cantaloupe immediately after bringing it home from the supermarket.  It will be easier for you to grab on the run, therefore easier to opt for when in a hurry.  If you make a cup for breakfast, add a handful of raspberries and blueberries.  They’re simple to prepare and loaded with anti oxidants!

 Suzie and Rick Canale, Westwood, Mass. Christmas 2014

Suzie can be found at her home in Westwood making amazing healthy meals year round.

The holidays are over and the tinsel and wreathes have been put away for another year.  Everything seems back in it’s old place accept for one thing, your savings accounts.  December festivities can cost a lot due to exorbitant food bills, gift buying and decorations making finances a little sparse once January rolls around.  Turning to credit cards can only make things worse but I’ve found that there are several ways to add penny-by-penny back into those nest eggs.   You don’t have to worry that severe cutbacks are just not doable.  These are simple tricks that won’t interfere drastically with your lifestyle but will be effective towards assuring that your Christmas spending money will be right back in place for next year.   Utilize one or all of these suggestions and start saving today.

                                   photo credit: mashable.com

Coupon clipping can be a great way to shave a few bucks off of your grocery bill each week and conveniently, almost every food store in Massachusetts accepts them.  Select products that you already use or can be easily substituted for a brand that is habitually bought.  Be on the watch for double coupon days and offers where competitors will match and beat another store’s prices.  Oh, and be sure to stock up on holiday coupons that are distributed in December, they will be good for another month!

                               photo credit: lifebyjeanie.com

Rolling Coins sounds small but really, those nickels, dimes, quarters and pennies add up fast!  Set aside a jar and empty your wallets and purses of change every day.  Once the jar begins to rise, dump out the contents and start rolling.  Most banks will give you paper rollers if you request them so do not buy them from stationary companies such as Staples, you’ll lose more money than you will collect.  Deposit your earnings in your account and you’ll be amazed as to how fast those numbers increase.  I once paid for an entire summer vacation with money rolled from change!

I think that many of us forget the spectacular services that Massachusetts’s towns and cities provide for their residents.  Many times, we are quick to entertain our families with expensive outings to entertainment facilities without first checking out what we can get for free!  Libraries are excellent destinations where we can borrow books, movies and passes to Boston’s museums, aquariums and zoos.  Patrons can save hundreds of dollars a year just by taking a closer look at what our public locals of our communities have to offer. 

 Suzie Canale, Westwood Public Library, October 2014

If you need any library assistance, visit Suzie in the children's department at the Westwood Public Library.

It's that time of year again when we count our blessings and get ready to make a few changes for New Years!  Resolutions have been a traditional gesture for many to seize the opportunity towards improving ourselves within physical, financial or emotional areas.   The most common resolutions are to lose a few pounds, increase our lucrative value and to expand social circles.  While these are certainly appropriate goals that pertain to a wide demographic, how about making things a bit simpler?  We don’t necessary have to be skinnier, worth more or popular to be happier in the New Year.  Resolutions can be better attained if we choose to diverge into activities and opportunities that already exist in our daily lives.  Joining a gym or scanning the want ads may not lead to a healthier and happier 2015.   Melioration can be achieved by taking smaller steps.  Here are my top resolutions that can be utilized everyday throughout the changing of the year. 

We don’t necessary have to make the resolution to drop twenty pounds in order to like ourselves more and we certainly don’t have to succumb to outrageous and even sometimes, dangerous diets to fit into a pair of skinny jeans.  Even if we do decide to spend our Christmas bonuses on fancy memberships, lets face it, most people stop using them by the end of January.  It’s a waste of time and resources and there are easier ways towards achieving a loser belt strap and a youthful glow.  Try swapping one meal a day with a plate of fruit and vegetables.  Chopped watermelon, cantaloupe and mixed berries contain a satisfying taste while bumping up your antioxidant immunity and lesser calorie value.   Vegetable soups such as cream of broccoli (made with a low fat dairy), salads and sautéed root vegetables are also excellent substitutions for sandwiches, pasta and other common dinner/lunch entrees.  You will be amazed how fast your body adapts and how quickly you’ll see results without having to bow down to inflated gym costs and grocery bills.

                                                   photo credit: hellogiggles.com

Having goals of finding riches in the future is a standard resolution but most find disappointment when at the end of the year, they haven’t found their pot of gold.  How about using a simple savings plan to create volume in your bank accounts without falling for “get rich quick” schemes that almost promise failure.  Instead, try using a coin jar where you can put pennies, quarters, dimes and nickels.  Whether it’s from buying a coffee, toys furniture or anything, insert the change and watch the levels of finances grow!  You might think that the amount will be low but I’ve tried this before and managed to pay for entire vacations with the money collected within one year.

                              Lance, Rick, Ryan & Suzie Canale -Rehoboth Beach, DE August 2014

We all want family, friends and loved ones but somehow believe that by making a New Years resolution to be popular, things will instantly change. It just doesn’t work that way.  Expanding social circles takes effort on our part and requires us to make the initiative to engage with others.  If you have high social anxiety, attempt to participate in low stress events where it is easy to strike up a conversation.  Coffee shops, restaurants and grocery stores are excellent places to start.  Again, take simple steps like offering to shovel a neighbor’s sidewalk after the next snowstorm or signup at your local library for paint classes where you can mingle within your community.  Figure out what your interests are and search for local and free opportunities to partake in these activities where you can meet others who enjoy the same things that you do!  Remember, the key to living a long and happy life is still up for debate but most agree that having a loving surrounding of people is definitely a big part of the recipe!

- my best wishes for a Happy New Year.

Suzie Canale, Westwood, MA 

New Years Eve dinner is one of the most anticipated meals of the year where dishes are slaved over to ensure a tasty feast for all who sit at their holiday table.   Including delicious sides of mashed potatoes, squash, green beans and more, guests look forward to the eclectic presentation of food served for this celebration.  Although cuisine varies from plate to plate, the main course usually includes a roast that can be prepared in several different ways depending on the host prefers.  While different seasonings, glazes and even oven temperatures will vary, there is a simple recipe for those who new to cooking their very first New Years Eve dinner.  While we might be anxious about the pressure to perform perfection, I assure you there’s an easy way to make sure your roast will turn out scrumptiously.  Follow these steps and you too will have a New Years Eve dinner with a main course fit for a king! 

Ingredients

Roast

1 Garlic Clove

Cream of Mushroom Soup

1 Yellow Onion                                                        

2 Stalks of Celery Baby Carrots

Red Potatoes (Quartered)

Ken’s Italian Dressing

2 Leaves of Sage

Rosemary

Parsley

Salt                                                                                              photo credit: Seriouseats.com

White Pepper

Preheat oven at 325 degrees and place the roast face up in a roasting pan.  With a knife, slice 1inch slits on the surface of the meat making sure to spread the cuts at least 1 ½ inches apart from one another.   On a cutting board, thinly slice the garlic clove to produce at least 7 separate pieces.  Insert one garlic slice into each whole pressing the seasoning down deep.  Lightly dust the surface with salt, pepper and parsley, afterwards spreading the cream of mushroom soup over the top of the roast, which will sink into the meat and create a wonderful taste while cooking.  Then slice the yellow onion into ringlets and place over the glazed mixture.  Place the two sprigs of Sage delicately across the top, which will not only add to the unbelievable flavor but will also enhance the presentation of the dish.  On the bottom of the dish at the top and bottom of the roast, add the baby carrots and quartered red potatoes.  Sprinkle the veggies with a dash of salt, pepper and rosemary herbs and drizzle the Italian dressing on top.  Toss the vegetables together making sure that all of the ingredients are fully covered with the marinade.  Place the celery stalks on each side of the roast now completing a box around the meat.  Place in the oven for 2 hours and you have yourself a dynamite meal to serve  for New Years Eve dinner!

 and what could be better on New Years Day than a pot roast patty melt ? 

photo credit: cassiecraves.blogspot.com

Suzie Canale

Westwood, MA

Suzie's New Year's tradition is writing her and her family resolutions and sending themm out to sea as a message in a bottle.