An almost random thought...

It’s 2012 and didn’t the last year go fast!  Christmas is gone and for Las Vegas, it is that strange time of year when it doesn’t feel like winter and yet it is not quite spring,  Whatever time it feels like, it is the time of year when those of us in the florist trade rapidly shift gears and focus squarely on the next big holiday—VALENTINE’S DAY.

 While there are those “bah humbugger’s” among us who will let the day silently pass by, I would like for them and you, to think about something...

Whether we use flowers, chocolates, a personalized note or something else altogether, do we ever really set aside the hustle and bustle of our daily lives frequently enough and express how we really feel to that special someone?

If your first inclination is that you don’t need to do that--that your spouse knows how you feel, think again.  Think about your loved ones that have passed.  What would you give to have that exact same chance with them?

I challenge you all, humbuggers and supporters alike, add a recurring reminder to your calendar to put the rest of your life on pause for even just a moment, and find a unique way to do something special for the one you love.

Who knows, with just a few pauses, you may find yourself head-over-heels again!

Flowers 101

One of our regulars stopped by the store today and mentioned this BLOG. For those of you who have never done this sort of thing before, let me say, what a surprise to find out someone is actually reading this. Well, hopefully it is more than someONE. Hopefully it is lots of someONEs.

All of my messages to date have avoided one topic in particular. FLOWERS. Interesting, since our primary business is flowers. When I started to think about this, I realized that the real reason is that it is difficult to reduce the beauty, delicacy and fragrance of a flower or an arrangement down to simple words. With that said, I realized I didn't have to. Instead I am going to share care and selection tips with you, so here is the first class in flowers 101. (And don't worry, I'll continue to add lots and lots about new products, events and generally random stuff!)

So, what are the top 5 most preferred flowers? Roses, Chrysanthemums, Tulips, Gerberas, and Lilies, in that order. Now, how do we take care of them, well first let me give you some science (watch out Alton Brown!)

Flowers drink water with a capillary action. Capillary action happens when water molecules are more attracted to the surface they travel on than to each other. In paper towels, the molecules move along tiny fibers. In plants, they move through narrow tubes that are actually called capillaries.

So imagine the stem of your flower as a bundle of straws. Water had rather stick to the walls of the straws than it had to itself, so it is sort of "sucked" up the inside surface of the straws.

So why do we tell you to change the water and cut off the bottom inch of the stems when you get fresh cut flowers ever few days? Well, because as the water in your vase ages, it grows bacteria and gets yucky. Now imagine these blobs of bacteria lodging in the bottom of the straws and clogging them like a half-blended strawberry in straw of your milkshake. Now the flower can't get water and of course, will soon die.

Ok, so now you know to cut the stems and change the water, what else can you do to prolong your vase life? Well, don't give them 7-up, or asprin. While these acidulate the water (make it more acid - good!) it unfortunately has other stuff in it that makes the water a better breeding ground for bacteria (BOO!). The best thing to use is the packet of flower food you got with your flowers. To give you an idea, this is a highly complex, very researched, and very expensive substance (kind of like cheesecake -- well maybe not, but that sounded good). It contains both flower food, and anti-bacterial for the water and can extend the vase life of your flowers by 4 or more days. Just be sure to follow the directions.

What else can you do? Well, consider placement of your flowers. Avoid placing them in warm spots, sunny spots, or drafty spots. Keep the vase full of water from the kitchen sink, and no, they do not prefer soft water. Why did I say FULL? Because sometimes the stems don't reach all the way to the bottom of the vase or container and although it still has some water, some of the flowers may be getting parched!

I bet you didn't know there was that much to know about watering your flowers. Don't worry, there is more, but I'm saving that for later. (Eat your heart out Alton!)

The Elf on the Shelf is Here!

How does Santa really know who’s been naughty or who’s been nice?
After much urging by the elves and Mrs. Claus, Santa has allowed his biggest secret to be revealed in the book, The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition®. Santa has partnered each hardcover book with a magical scout elf. Once a family receives their elf, it’s up to them to name their elf and visit the North Pole (elfontheshelf.com) to register its name in our Hall of Registry and print their official elf adoption certificate. This is a Christmas tradition that will withstand the test of time, all while providing you and your family with unforgettable memories each holiday season! Gift set includes: A North Pole light skinned pixie scout elf, a hard-bound children`s book, and a keepsake box.
Learn More...

Fall Dinner Parties Class Recipes

Many of you asked that start posting the recipes from our workshops online, so here goes. I hope you all enjoy!

Chili

Ingredients:
2 lbs ground beef
½ c dark chili powder
¼ cup onion powder
3 tblsp cumin
¼ cup minced garlic
6 lb can pinto beans
6 lb can crushed tomatoes
Jalapeno & crushed red pepper to taste
Salt
Pepper
3 minced onions
3 minced red bell peppers
3 minced green bell peppers

Brown beef, onions and peppers with the garlic.
Add all seasonings, beans & tomatoes. Simmer 30 minutes.

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Abondigas Soup

2 Cans Ranch Style Beans
2 Cans Minestrone
1 Can Beef Broth
1 Can Ro-Tel
Prepared meatballs (or 1 lb sauted and drained ground beef)
Place all in a Dutch oven and simmer 15 minutes. Serve.

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Southwestern Corn and Red Pepper Soup

16 oz frozen corn, thawed
¾ cup chopped red bell pepper
¾ cup chopped green onion, divided
1 ¾ cup chicken broth
5 oz evaporated milk
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp)
½ tsp salt
1/8 tsp ground red pepper
Freshly ground black pepper

Cook corn, bell pepper, and ½ cup green onions in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Add chicken broth and evaporated milk. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes. Using an immersion blender, puree a bit. Stir in cheese salt and ground red pepper. Serve topped with 1 tblsp green onions and black pepper.

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Braised Crock Pot Roast

Cut a 3 lb beef roast in into bite-sized pieces. Sear the outside. Place in the crock pot, top with One Pot Meat Braising Sauce. Cook on low 8 to 10 hours, or high for 4 -5 hours.

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Roasted Chicken Linguine

1 Deli Roasted Chicken
1 lb cooked linguine
1 cup EVOO
2 tblsp chopped garlic
½ cup chopped sun dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained
3 tblsp pine nuts
1 10oz bag pre-washed spinach
½ cup crumbled feta cheese
½ cup goat cheese
½ large bunch fresh basil chopped
Salt & Pepper
Pull chicken from bones and tear into bite sized pieces. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and pine nuts, stirring til lightly browned.
Add chicken, spinach, feta & goat cheese, stirring until creamy.
Add linguini and heat through. Add basil & season with salt and pepper. Top with grated parmesan.

Free Bling for the Cause

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

We are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October and to show our support, for each Da Vinci necklace or bracelet purchased, we will give you your choice of Breast Cancer Awareness beads! (While supplies last!)
Why not share a gift of a beautiful Da Vinci necklace or bracelet with a special friend and encourage them to support the cause!
More DaVinci

Fall Workshops are Kicking into High Gear

Seasons has Class!
Our classes are always a big hit and this year is no different. We had a ton of fun last Thursday night when we did our Intorduction to Floral Design Workshop. As you can see, our top students did a magnificent job!
This Thursday night, we will host our next workshop, Floral Design With a Twist. We expect the class to be a sell out, although we aren't quite there yet! Check our workshops page for full details!  
See Workshop Schedule                                       

Fall Woof & Poof is a Sell Out Hit!

Some of you may recall that last year we got in some beautifully made, hand sewn stuffed pumpkins from a little company in California called Woof & Poof. You may also remember that we sold out of them just before Thanksgiving.
You made them such a hit, that not only did we reorder lots of new pumpkin styles this year, we also ordered the newest star of the Woof & Poof line -- the owl.
Believe it or not, we've already sold over half of them. I guess one could say the owls are really flying out of here, so if you would like to check them out before theeir gone, now is definately the time. But should you miss them, we will have a number of Woof & Poof Christmas patterns coming in next...