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Exotic Flowers' Favorite Author at the Andover Bookstore September 8th

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, Aug 28, 2012

Andover storefront061711 resized 600 At 1pm on Saturday, September 8th, 2012 - Exotic Flowers favorite author Suzie Canale will be signing and reading from her latest children's book, 'The Candy Roses of Cape Care,'. 

SUZIE CANALE: "The Candy Roses of Cape Care" (Andover)

Saturday, September 8, 2012 - 1:00pm

The Candy Roses of Cape Care is the third installment in The Beantown Tales: Green Series where a group of six cousins rally together to save a magical beach’s candy sprouting roses from extinction. Growing every sweet treat imaginable, from lollipops to gummy bears, the team must work fast to clean up their sandy shores before pollution threatens to halt the production of an enchanted potion produced by the sea. Keeping in theme with the prequels, The Land of Chocolate Cosmos and The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom, the author educates while empowering readers to make key changes within their communities. This book tantalizes tummies with yummy imagery nestled in fantastical worlds.

Suzie-CanaleSuzie Hearl Canale grew up in Andover and is a graduate of Salem State College. She began writing after a twenty-five year career in the wholesale floral industry in Boston, where she was inspired by flowers named after child-friendly foods. She developed The Beantown Tales, a series of books geared towards educating children to make positive changes within our society. Suzie’s books have received the 2011 Green Difference Book Award by the Massachusetts Green Schools Organization, as well as Honorable Mentions in the 2011 New England Book Festival, 2012 New York Book Festival, and the 2012 Hollywood Book Festival. Canale recently published "Walking Down the Cobblestone Aisles of Boston" in electronic form. As she continues her career writing career, she also keeps busy raising her two sons and volunteering for the Mass Bay American Red Cross chapter as a member of the Disaster Relief division.

Tags: Candy Roses, Chocolate Cosmos, Suzie Hearl Canale, Author, Childrens Book, Popcorn Hydrangea

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

Exotic Flowers Favorite Author Launches Book at Union Oyster House

Posted by Rick Canale on Sat, Jun 23, 2012

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Music, the arts, writing - at Exotic Flowers we appreciate what a great effect these talents have on a civilized society. At Exotic Flowers, we relish books, have a poet in residence and even our own favorite author, Suzie Canale of the Beantown Tales. Suzie is also my wife. She has just released her newest children's book, 'The Candy Roses of Cape Care,'.
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Her launch party took place at the Union Oyster House on Friday, June 22nd. The Union Oyster House dates back to 1636 and it was officially established in 1826. What a great place to hold an event, the Milano family has owned this historic restaurant since 1970. The staff here is great, the food plentiful and the atmosphere is amazing. We are every fortunate to be friends with such a wonderful family. 
The Candy Roses of Care event was hosted in Webster's Den at the Union Oyster House. While bags of popcorn, chocolates and giant lollipops decorated the tables, more than fifty friends and relatives celebrated Suzie for her landmark achievement.
The Union Oyster House served up oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, crab cakes and clam chowder. The staff was so upbeat and I cannot think of a better place to have a book party.
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Next time you have an event, make sure to ask for Pattie and tell her Rick at Exotic Flowers sent you.

Tags: The Arts, Suzie Hearl Canale, Childrens Book

Exotic Flowers in Boston - Top Books for Summer

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Jun 21, 2012

Candy Roses of Cape CareThe Candy Roses of Cape Care is the third installment in The Beantown Tales: Green Series where a group of six cousins rally together to save a magical beach's candy sprouting roses from extinction. Growing every sweet treat imaginable from lollipops to gummy bears, the team must work fast to clean up their sandy shores before pollution threatens to halt the production of an enchanted potion produced by the sea. Keeping in theme with the prequels, The Land of Chocolate Cosmos (winner of the 2011 Green Difference Book by the Massachusetts Green Schools Org and 2011 Honorable Mention by the New England Book Festival) and The Popcorn Hydrangea of Poppingtom, Suzie Canale, the author educates while empowering readers to make key changes within their communities. This book tantalizes tummies with yummy imagery nestled in fantastical worlds. Suzie is also an Exotic Flowers' blogger and our poet in residence.

calico joe resized 600A surprising and moving novel of fathers and sons, forgiveness and redemption, set in the world of Major League Baseball… A quick read, kind of like a good short story; vintage Grisham. Cannot wait for the movie.

Winning the Customer On vacation but feel like you should be building your business ? Marketing guru, Lou Imbriano sets forth an ideal blue print for growing your business. Many of Lou's ideas are cost effective and easy to implement right away. 

The Art of FieldingNo mystery why this novel remains a best seller. Now in paperback, you have no excuse but to pick up a copy. This is one of the best books I have read in years. If you enjoy baseball and have always wanted to find a great novel, you cannot miss with this book.

micah resized 600Micah Solomon's latest book really hits the mark. He lays a great foundation of customer service applications in the first seven chapters. With real world companies used as models, Micah provides a foundation that businesses of all sizes can implement.
Great takeaways include the importance of a company culture and showing how it really defines your business. Micah's book addresses an important need of creating on line loyalty. This question is asked by brick and mortar stores every day. Micah really understands the importance of quick response, anticipating a client's needs and the need for standards.
From his principles of on line self service to his theme of 'let customers hear from you before they have to ask for anything themselves.' This book will remain on my shelf as a reference/ customer service text book for years to come.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has a web presence of any type, no matter how big or small.

Tags: Suzie Hearl Canale, Marketing, Childrens Book, Customer Service, Lou Imbriano

Transportation - Wheels for Your Wedding in Boston by Suzie Canale

Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, Jun 20, 2012

: Transportation...

"Two such as you with such a master speed cannot be parted nor be swept away from one another once you are agreed that life is only life forevermore together wing to wing and oar to oar"~ Robert Frost


The type of transportation that you choose depends on several aspects of your wedding planning including the couple's personality, location and time of year.  The exit of the bride and groom from their ceremony and reception is often a memorable one for all in attendance, giving importance to the issue of selecting mobility that reflects both the essence of your matrimonial gathering as well as the symbolism unique to the two people starting their journey together.  Another factor to be aware of  is New England's predisposition to temperamental weather patterns, which although adored for her changing face throughout the year, can sometimes be unpredictable when it comes to precipitation and temperature changes.  Coupes reciting their "I do's" within the Boston area should always take into consideration this safety factor as well as choosing a desired means.  By referring to the following guidelines, you will find that this city offers an extensive array of solutions perfect for whisking the new "Mr. and Mrs." off onto their new adventure. 

The Limousine~ The limousine is a classic choice, assuring passengers a safe yet luxurious ride to each destination.  Generally equipped with mini bars, adjustable temperature controls, moon roofs, comfortable seating and a driver, this type of transportation is the best option for most newlyweds.  Not only is the limo appropriate for anytime of the year, it is also reliable for any type of New England weather forecast.  Although ancient lure believes that rain is a sure sign of good luck on a wedding day, the bride who is stuck in a sudden downpour without a roof overhead might disagree!

Horse Drawn Carriages~ Horse drawn carriages provide a romantic exit within a fashionable elegance and historic grace.  Appropriate for those travelling short distances during the more temperate times of the year, the bride and groom will enjoy a relaxing and soothing ride in the back of a coach, comforted by blankets, champagne and the exquisite views provided by the surrounding scenery.  This type of transportation is particularly sensational for countryside or metropolis located affairs.

Classic Cars~ For the past several years, the popularity of classic cars within event planning have grown considerably, appealing to those looking to shake up the wheels of their wedding.  Rolls Royce's, Bentleys, Mustangs, Corvettes, and Model T's  are both stylish and fun for a fast getaway to the honeymoon.  Bon Voyage decor such as streamers, "Just Married" signs and strung cans looks particularly adorable when trailing the tail lights of one of these beauties.

Suzie Canale Children's AuthorSuzie Canale is a local Boston Author - Purchase a copy of her latest children's book, 'The Candy Roses of Cape Care' at www.thebeantowntales.com

Tags: Boston Florist, Suzie Hearl Canale, Weddings

A Poem for Boston Gardeners by Suzie Canale

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Jun 14, 2012

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Lucky for Boston gardeners,

 

The month of June has now arrived,

 

Bringing fresh new bursts of color,

 

Now that our gardens have been revived.

 

 

 

As the perennials regain position,

 

And the weeds have been removed,

 

We'll see our hard work will be rewarded,

 

With flower beds greatly improved!

 

 

 

But for those who need a bit of help,

 

Whose green thumbs have gone numb,

 

Exotic Flowers will put you on the path,

 

On what to grow and stay away from.

 

 

 

You'll have loads and loads of choices,

 

From the best of garden crew,

 

Who'll help design a pretty garden,

 

With perfect plants just meant for you!

by Suzie Canale

Check out Suzie's new children's book, "The Candy Roses of Cape Care,". 

Suzie Canale Boston Poet


Tags: Garden Center, Gardening, Suzie Hearl Canale, Poetry

The "Sweet Stuff" of Wedding Cakes... by Boston Author Suzie Canale

Posted by Rick Canale on Tue, May 22, 2012


"In all of the wedding cake, hope is the sweetest of plums."
~Douglas Jerrold

 wedding cake flowers in boston

It is the pinnacle of the wedding planning process, one which you must denote serious thought and scrutiny to. What size, shape, style, variety, and color will justly represent your affair? Should there be icing replicas of the bride and groom? Should the design use sugar or real flowers such as gerberas, roses or chocolate cosmos for decoration?  Perhaps the couple is looking for an altogether different theme such as seashells? Is the white vanilla frosting the ultimate in taste tantalization or is the dark chocolate mousse the fork-full that will make your guests melt in their seats? How about the question of buffering your budget by making it yourself or splurging on one of Boston’s award winning bakeries? Have you guessed what this mouth watering bridal task is? Planning your wedding cake of course!

One important issue which is critical towards completing this mission successfully is to solidify a set budget of expense for this sweet desert. Wedding cakes can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand depending on the bakery making it wise to do a fair amount of investigating before committing to a vendor.  If this is an area where you are willing to tighten the belt buckle in regards to expenses, there are numerous recipes for making your own cake with step by step directions on baking and decorating. One resource worth checking out in your local library is the  book, “Wedding Cakes That You Can Make: Designing Baking, and Decorating the Perfect Wedding Cake” by Dede Wilson. Not only are you given clever baking tips, but you are also shown explicit directions on baking, decorating and icing. A second useful resource are specialty wedding sites such as allrecipes.com or lovetoknow weddings which give easy and descriptive recipes for just about any cake imaginable.  If you are interested in previewing your "sweet" ideas, visit Designed by the Bride which allow visitors to design a "virtual" cake to encourage creative thinking within this area.

wedding cake flowers cape cod

If your baking skills are somewhat challenged and you own oven mitts which are for display only, consider Konditor Meister of Braintree, Ma or Montillio's of Quincy, Ma to fulfill all of your wedding desert needs. Holding a long standing reputation for their decadent wedding cakes, these ingenious bakers can pretty much replicate any idea, object or theme into edible bridal art. Beach themed weddings can be represented with sand dollar or starfish pieces added to their cakes as well as a sugar constructed sand castles.  Outdoorsy couples can serve guests a forest inspired desert incorporating pine trees or mountain landscapes into the design while the history lovers can marvel at a reconstruction of famous Bostonian landmarks such as the Freedom Trail, the Boston Public Garden or even Paul Revere's house. Taking a picture with you for model purposes is a helpful tip and try to remain open to options suggested to you by the professionals. The possibilities are endless so let your "sweet tooth" creativity run wild. Have fun with this project and indulge in the romance of a scrumptious wedding cake!

wedding cake flowers newport
- Suzie Canale
Suzie Canale Boston Author

Tags: Suzie Hearl Canale, Weddings, Wedding Flowers

May in New England - Poetry by Suzie Canale, Exotic Flowers' Resident Poet

Posted by Rick Canale on Wed, May 02, 2012

May in New England brings our garden’s first treats,
With blooms bursting straight through the chilled earth,
Exciting our green thumbs for plantings to come,
Mother Nature’s Spring hint of rebirth.
 
As the lilacs arrive in their great dripping splendor,
The bulbed tulips stand high in salute,
Hyacinth erupts with the sweetest of scents,
While the daffodils join in hot pursuit.
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If the weather holds up and the air is just right,
We might see stems of bleeding hearts,
Mixed in with the lily of valley’s white bells,
A scene fit for the Museum of Fine Arts.
 
But if low and behold, all our gardens bloom bare,
And we find ourselves heavily in need,
A visit to Sonny and Maries flower shop,
Will solve all Mother’s Day requests indeed!
 - Suzie Canale
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Suzie is not only the resident author at Exotic Flowers in Boston, but she is also now our poet in residence. You can learn more about Suzie on her website at www.beantowntales.net

Tags: Mother's Day, Mother's Day Flowers, Suzie Hearl Canale, Poetry

Popular Wedding Themes by Boston Author Suzie Canale

Posted by Rick Canale on Thu, Mar 22, 2012

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Chapter 3: Popular Wedding Themes...

“Celebrate we will,

Because life is short but sweet for certain” ~ Dave Matthews

 

 

Bean Town brides are in luck if pondering the notion of throwing a themed wedding extravaganza since this city if bursting with creative and entertaining possibilities!  Regardless of the time of year you wish to marry, there is something for everyone when the traditional white wedding just doesn't strike you as exciting.  Every aspect of your planning can reflect a particular motif or style including invitations, clothing and decorations.  By tailoring particular details of your event to you and your mate's personality, couples can create fun and original matrimonial affairs.  Whether you wish to celebrate a particular season, holiday or hobby, there's no telling where a little imagination can take your special day.

 tulip delivery boston

New England Seasonal and Holiday Themed Weddings~ Since Boston is blessed with the stunning beauty of four different seasons, why not use these attributes in your party planning and wedding decor?  Winter lovers might want to amplify the serenity of blanketed snow by using frosted branches within centerpieces and floral displays as well as hanging crystals to mimic the spectrum effects of icicles.  For those looking to manage their budgets, winter foliage takes up ample space when designed in arrangements, creating a full and fragrant piece.   Wreathes also make terrific goodies to gift guests which are both affordable and festive for the Yule season.  Fall flora and fauna fans can decorate with colorful leaves in bouquets and display pumpkins with wheat bales around archways.  Couples can also mull over the idea of throwing a Halloween inspired affair by asking guests to wear costumes!  Not only will this guarantee a fun and jovial atmosphere but will assure pleasant memories for years to come. 

Spring farers will have no problem recreating the sweetness of this season if they rely heavily on shades of lavender, baby yellow and blush pink within their formal wear and linens.  Since flowers are the symbol of Spring, don't forget to place stems of sweet peas, ranunculus and Sarah Barnhart peonies in bridal work, corsages and nosegays.  Summer seekers will benefit from throwing beach themed weddings as they are the number #1 party planned ceremony and reception thrown in the United States.  Boston beaches provide sublime sands and coastal views from Gloucester to Cape Cod convenient for both North and South Shore fans.  For simple yet sensational ceremonies, line folding chairs facing the ocean leaving room in the center for an aisle.  Line with small, white votives and use delicate white orchids or beach plum roses for bouquets.  While friends and family are swept away into the tranquil serenity of the Atlantic Ocean, couples will be pleased with this budget considerate, fuss free and most importantly, romantic style of party planning.

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For the Sports Fans~ One of the greatest attributes beholden to many Bostonians is their love for sports.  The Celtics, Patriots and the Red Sox hold a special place in the hearts of New Englanders including many soon-to-be's who would love to include a little "fanfare" in their wedding planning but worry about issues of tastefulness and elegance.  You need not to worry, there are plenty of ways to pay homage to your favorite teams by creating both a fun and polished look for your special day.  For instance, Celtics fans can incorporate the shamrock (a symbol of the Celtics) into invitation layouts, favors and even garnish for individual place settings.  Diehard Patriot followers can implement the football theme by using red, white and blue color palettes for linens and dress attire or even have groomsmen where football helmets along with their tuxedos to tip off a humorous beginning to the festivities.  Red Sox enthusiasts will be pleased to know that Fenway Park rents facilities within the stadium for those who desire to assimilate the nostalgia of  a roaring crowd, the flash of native baseball colors across t- shirts and the sultry smells of franks and sausages sizzling atop stadium grills within their wedding planning.   Clever gifts for guests can include baseballs and baseball caps which make wonderful keepsakes of Green Monster bridal affairs.

 

 

 

Tags: Boston Florist, Suzie Hearl Canale, Weddings, Wedding Flowers, Red Sox

Boston Author Suzie Canale Helps Pick Wedding Locations

Posted by Rick Canale on Fri, Mar 09, 2012

The following is an excerpt from "Walking Down the Cobblestone Aisles" - Exotic Flowers Free Wedding Planning ebook.

 

Chapter 2: Where to Say "I Do"...

"I dreamed of a wedding of elaborate elegance, A church filled with family and friends.

I asked him what kind of a wedding he wished for,  

He said one that would make me his wife.” ~ Author Unknown

 

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With a multitude of posh hotels, quintessential New England sites and natural attractions, Boston brides can luckily fulfill any dream day wedding wishes that appeal to her!  Perhaps she has always had her heart set on the lavish gold of the Fairmont Copley Plaza or maybe her "dare-to-be-wild" personality draws her to the slopes of Killington Mountain?  From the glamorous city ballrooms  to tented receptions lit by the stars above, there is an ideal location to fit every couple's individuality as well as their budget.  By taking a closer look at the specific vision that appeals to those readying to walk down the aisle (or ski, swim, run), wedding planners can begin to design the model appropriate for them by taking in account their spirit, tastes and cost allowances.  Here are a few suggestions to get the ball rolling...

Boston Hotels~ There is no shortage of enchanting hotels in the Boston area, painting skylines with contemporary architecture and divine antiquity style.   The Four Seasons Hotel, which is centrally located, provides a choice of four rooms, allowing you to choose desired views, style and occupancy accommodations.  Not only will the staff assist you with finding photographers, transportation and decorators, this hotel also offers discounted rates for Friday/Sunday affairs.  The Ritz Carlton is another excellent choice providing visitors with historic grandeur and magnificent views of the Boston Commons.  Couples will also be delighted to learn that a five night complimentary Honeymoon package is included when booking their reception in the grand ballroom.  Other recommended hotels include The Omni Parker House, The Charles Street Inn and The Grand Harbor Hotel.

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"Young princess, when you get your wedding ring,

your man is saying she's my queen." ~Nas

Boston Landmarks~ For the bride searching for reception locations which reflect the authentic Bostonian essence, she is in luck!  Landscaped with the stunning gardens of the Boston Commons, galleries such as the Museum of Fine Arts which hang the highest, celebrated art work and the towers of Alden Castle staging the perfect wedding for a prince to his princess, Boston is comprised of beautiful sites which not only tell the stories of our yesteryear but also stand proudly to encompass the beginning of a couple's journey together.   The Old State House of Boson offers the comprised package of luxurious event rooms while also revealing a rich tale of our city's heritage and the Boston Public Library is a desirable location equipped with a courtyard for cocktails and function hall which amply fits 350 guests.  For those interested in the Boston Tea Party, The Odyssey or Spirit Cruise Lines are a fabulous choice to coast these majestic waters which shows crystal clear skylines of Boston at sunset.  Whichever location of historical reference you choose, guests will be enthralled by the interesting atmosphere which of these cherished sites possess.

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New England's Natural Attraction~ There are a multitude of reasons why planning an event within a natural setting can be an alluring alternative to traditional venues.   Resorts, function halls, restaurants and hotels rest under restrictions, sometimes creating problematic situations such as room rates, availability and occupancy constraints.  A secret which many couples are unaware of are the natural surroundings that bless New England, including  stunning forests, oceans and even large acreage meadows.  One reason for considering an "earthy" wedding is that nature provides the wedding decor for you.   Rooted paths with wooded landscapes exuding the aroma of sweet pine and silky sands with melodic sounds of crashing waves are available at no cost and are exquisites sights for reciting your "I do's".  Limitless guest space is another positive attribute, as long as it is kept in mind that the  wedding date should not coincide with the months engulfed by New England's Nor'easter season.   Suggested locations include Harold Parker State Forest located in North Andover, Ma,  Long Beach of Gloucester, Ma and Blissful Meadows of Uxbridge, Ma.

 

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

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