Flower prints are extremely popular this year so we thought we’d have some fun and show you some fabulous floral friendly shoes that we stumbled across. What do you think? Would you wear any of these shoes?
Satin Prada shoes with plastic flower heels
Image credit: smalltocheap.blogspot.com
Image Credit: aihots.com
Image Credit – Shoeperwoman.com
Image Credit: Nicholas Kirkwood Shoes
We like our reds rich and full bodied – our wedding color reds, that is. This is exactly what Pantone had in mind when they announced their color of the year, Marsala. At first glance you might associate the color with fall and winter wedding trends, but we think that this hue is perfect for summer – either alone or paired with a subtle cool color, like French blue. When it comes to spring flower pairings, you’re also in luck – you can find this color in peonies, dahlias, calla lilies and orchids.
A wonderful warm toned arrangement with our favorite deep red is tangerine dream. It’s stocked with orange roses, rich red callas and hydrangeas.
To add a pop of French blue, consider adding hydrangeas into the mix – a great example is our new beginnings arrangement which includes dahlias in a marsala tone, along with bright orange, yellow and dusty blue flowers with berry accents.
Orchids can also provide a beautiful splash of red – check out our untamed soul arrangement with a mix of pink and red spray roses and dark red cymbidium orchids.
What color would you pair with Marsala?
The best way to reinvigorate the senses is to be one with nature – so why not kick that up a notch by visiting one of the countries most beautiful botanical gardens? Impressive flower collections are on display, as well as entertainment, shopping and restaurants. We know that we love to visit gardens when we need some inspiration for our centerpieces and arrangements. Check out these four floral friendly escapes:
1. Missouri Botanical Garden – This 79-acre garden in St. Lewis has two other properties outside the city limits: the Sophia M Sachs butterfly house and the 2,400 acre Shaw Nature Reserve. This botanical garden is also known for one of the biggest orchid collections in the US.
2. Lewish Ginter Botanical Garden – This is one of the most visited places in the Richmond, VA area and offers more than 50 acres of beautiful gardens. It also comes complete with a classical domed Conservatory (the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic). It also boasts a dozen themed gardens, including the Healing Garden, Fountain Garden, Asian Valley and Victorian Garden.
3. Coastal Maine Botanical Garden – 11,000 tulips bloom every spring on these 270 acres of tidal shoreland. The 2015 theme is Myth, Magic and Medicine. You can learn all about aphrodisiacs, herbal tincture, salves and botanical herbal drawings in their amazing classes.
4. Frederik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park – Wander down picturesque pathways lined with flowers, listen to a summer concert and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors (along with an array of sculptures) this spring. You can also find kid friendly areas in the kid-sense garden, an 1880′s farmhouse, butterfly maze and the caterpillar room.
Transform your cocktails into something spectacular with edible spring flowers!
Springtime is all about blooming buds and fragrant flowers in full display – so why not adorn your favorite backyard cocktail with beautiful blooms? You can turn an otherwise run-of-the-mill drink into a tasty and artful concoction by infusing it with flower power. You will find a treasure trove of inspiration in Punch Bowl & Pitcher Drinks by Jeanne Kelley and Sarah Tenaglia (Clarkson Potter, 2015). Use floral liqueurs or infusions (think St. Germain elderflower liqueur or rose syrup) or try our favorite method: simply garnish your luscious libation with edible flowers like orchids. Here are two cocktails (plus an awesome ice mold!) complete with flowery infusions that will leave you twitterpated and flush with spring fever.
Read the full article here
PASSION FRUIT PUNCH
A great choice for a tropical party. Frozen passion fruit pulp can be found at some specialty foods stores and supermarkets. Nonpoisonous purple orchids can be found at most florists. Serves 16
3 cups gold rum
2 cups frozen unsweetened passion fruit pulp (such as Goya)
½ cup fresh lime juice, or more to taste
2 tablespoons Cointreau
4½ × 2-inch lime peel strips
4 cups chilled mandarin orange soda
Orchid and Lime Ice Mold (see below)
Ice cubes
Nonpoisonous purple orchids (optional, for garnish)
Fill a 2-quart mold with water to 2 inches from the top. Add a few orchids, sliced limes, and halved passion fruit, if available (the fruit and leaves will float). Freeze overnight or wrap the frozen mold tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. To release, turn the mold upside down. Place under running water until the ice releases.
Rose water is sold at some groceries, specialty foods stores, and Middle Eastern markets. The light musky flavor of the rose water will be cut right through by the fresh lime juice and sweet green tea. Serves 8
2 6-ounce baskets fresh raspberries (or 12 ounces frozen, thawed)
½ cup sugar
2 cups brewed green tea, chilled
⅔ cup fresh lime juice
½ to 1 cup gin, to taste
¼ teaspoon rose water
1 1/3 cups chilled sparkling water
1 Raspberry Ice Mold (see below)
Unsprayed red and pink rose petals (optional, for garnish)
Ice cubes
Fill a small mold with water to 2 inches from the top. Add 4 to 6 ounces raspberries (the berries will float). Freeze overnight or wrap the frozen mold tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. To release, turn the mold upside down and place the bowl under running water until the ice releases.
Reprinted from PUNCH BOWLS & PITCHER DRINKS: RECIPES FOR DELICIOUS BIG BATCH COCKTAILS by Jeanne Kelley and Sarah Tenaglia. Copyright © by Clarkson Potter/Publishers. Published by Clarkson Potter/Publishers, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
In honor of Mother Earth’s favorite day, we’ve compiled a list of ways that you can go green when choosing flowers for any event, big or small. These are simple and effortless ideas that go a long way – and they can be implemented every day, not just in celebration of Earth Day. You can help the planet and farm workers in developing countries by planning ahead and using these techniques when selecting blooms.
1. Buy local flowers – Find out what is available to you within an easy driving radius of your home or office. You can cut down on carbon emissions by keeping your flower shipments close to home.
2. Go organic – Reduce the chemical impact on the planet by purchasing American-grown and organic arrangements for your next event. Because flowers are not eaten, there is no limit on the amount of toxic pesticides, fertilizers or artificial scents that importers can use.
3. Choose seasonal arrangements - Identify the flowers that are most available to your region during the spring, summer and fall months. For example, choosing tulips, ranunculus or peonies for your springtime wedding will avoid using exotic flowers that need to be shipped from far away. Check out this seasonal flower guide for spring from Green Wedding Shoes.
4. Look past traditional arrangements – Roses are lovely, but what about flowers that can be replanted? Succulents can be placed in gardens or planters and enjoyed for years to come. They are also drought-tolerant plants that don’t require a lot of water. If you live in an area where water preservation is a concern, succulents are also a great addition to any arrangement.
5. Go eco-friendly beyond your blooms – Look for companies that go green all the way. Many companies offer to pick up client’s containers after use to repurpose them, recycle the water that has not been absorbed by the flowers at the end of the day, and some even deliver flowers by bike!
6. Look for ways to give back – If you’re planning a wedding and you know that you’ll have a lot of flowers left over, consider companies like Rebloom or Bloomerent which offer a hassle-free way to recycle your wedding flowers after your big day. This will brighten up someone else’s event and your flowers will get major mileage at two events.
7. Less is more – Work with your florist to come up with unique and stunning arrangements that use less flowers all together. Planning a wedding? Ask your bridesmaids to carry a single calla lily instead of an enormous bouquet.
8. Avoid killer filler – Avoid buying arrangements that use florist’s foam or any other materials that cannot be recycled. If you want to bunch your flowers together for use in a bouquet, use twine, not plastic.
9. Petal power – Large events that require elegant and elaborate table settings often come with a grand arrangement and petals scattered on the table to compliment the flowers. Instead of tossing the petals away at the end of the day, plan ahead and choose edible flowers that you can freeze dry and use for future use.
10. Turn your flowers into invitations or thank you notes – There are many companies that specialize in turning flowers into gorgeous invitations, scrapbooks, gift tags or thank you notes. Try Cast Paper Art for an earth friendly and innovative design.
Do you have any other earth friendly flower ideas? Let us know!
New York is considered one of the best places to get married. With so many top wedding spots in NYC, how can a bride and groom choose? Surroundings Flowers is here to help with the decision process a little by providing you with our top four choices of wedding venues.
This beautiful hotel located in the heart of the Upper East Side is the perfect location for couples to exchange their vows and celebrate their nuptials. The romantic atmosphere of each room can be transformed to provide the perfect setting for any wedding.
Beautiful floral designs at the Plaza Athenee.
This beautiful National Landmark is an oasis of floral diversity. It offers a number of captivating views that allow for magnificent photo opportunities and an array of magical moments to capture and remember.
Various photos of weddings at the New York Botanical Garden
Nestled atop a hill overlooking the Hudson River, Tappan Hill Mansion is a beautiful stone structure with luxurious, spacious rooms and a garden terrace.
Tappan Hill Wedding decorations.
4. New Leaf
Located in Ft. Tryon Park, New Leaf offers brides and grooms a picturesque ceremony in one of New York City’s most beautiful parks and a beautiful, elegant and natural reception area.
This beautiful setting for a bridal reception.
International Women’s Day is celebrated across the world each year on March 8th. This day is used to commemorate the many achievements and accolades of women. The first International Women’s Day was held in 1911.
Each year a new theme and color are chosen to celebrate the day. This year’s theme for the joyous occasion is Make It Happen and the color is purple. We ask that any and everyone who has a woman they want to celebrate, please hashtag Make It Happen and Paint It Purple in all your posts on and before March 8th. We all need to raise awareness about female equality and shed some light on amazing contributions women give to our societies overall.
International Women’s Day 2015: #MakeItHappen #PaintItPurple
Surroundings Flowers is showing support for International Women’s Day with some of our beautiful purple floral designs. Be sure to celebrate the women in your life with one of our designs and order an arrangement for them today.
An all purple flower arrangement of callas, hydrangeas and lisianthus designed to perfection.
An offering of pure indulgence. Indulge in purple hydrangeas and callas along with lime green roses and berries.
Rustic meets sophistication in this eclectic arrangement of curly willow and callas.
March is also Women’s History Month. So, be sure to learn all you can about the women who helped pave the way for those after them. In honor of the occasion, the following are ten inspiring quotes by influential women:
“How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!” — Maya Angelou
“Excellence is the best deterrent to racism or sexism.” — Oprah Winfrey
“The only tired I was, was tired of giving in.” — Rosa Parks
“I am an example of what is possible when girls from the very beginning of their lives are loved and nurtured by people around them. I was surrounded by extraordinary women in my life who taught me about quiet strength and dignity.” — Michelle Obama
“Anything’s possible if you’ve got enough nerve.” — J.K. Rowling
“As you enter positions of trust and power, dream a little before you think.” — Toni Morrison
“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” — Anne Frank
“There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.” — Edith Wharton
“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!” — Audrey Hepburn
“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done.” — Lucille Ball
When attending the Oscars, stars know they must bring their “A” game to the carpet. The 2015 Oscars Best Dressed list this year seemed a little longer than usual. After much scrutinizing and careful picking, we have selected our top five picks of Best Dressed and the arrangements they inspire.
Behati Pronsloo captivated everyone’s heart in this romantically deep red Armani Prive dress. The exquisite texture and contrast from red to black can also be seen in our Heart to Heart arrangement.
2015 Oscars Best Dressed: Behati Pronsloo in Armani Prive.
Gwyneth Paltrow looked stunning and sweet in this pale pink Ralph & Russo Couture number. She was our First Crush primarily because of the flower on her left shoulder and the uncanny resemblance to our arrangement.
2015 Oscars Best Dressed: Gwyneth Paltrow in Ralph & Russo Couture
Lupita Nyong’o radiated elegance in this Calvin Klein jewel gown covered with 6,000 pearls. The breathtaking beauty resembles our Bonjour arrangement with the white Veronica and pure white orchids and roses.
2015 Oscars Best Dressed: Lupita Nyong’o in Calvin Klein
David Oyelowo is the true definition of a Lady Killer in this Dolce and Gabbana tuxedo. He definitely brought a little flare to the carpet with this colored, textured piece. Rightfully so, he is compared to our Lady Killer arrangement.
2015 Oscars Best Dressed: David Oyelowo in Dolce and Gabbana
Emma Stone looks absolutely stunning in this Elie Saab celery green number. The simplicity and elegance of the dress is clearly illustrated in our Creme de Menthe design. The light green hydrangea add the perfect pop of color to the arrangement just like Emma did to the red carpet.
2015 Oscars Best Dressed: Emma Stone in Elie Saab
Surroundings Flowers is proud to be a part of BookTrib‘s Caption Contest! The debut novel by Vivian R. Probst, Death by Roses, is an original and funny love story that is all about second chances. Click on the above image to enter and you can win a dozen roses to your loved one from Surroundings Flowers.
For the first time in nearly thirty years of marriage, Art McElroy Sr. buys his headstrong, disapproving wife a dozen yellow roses. Hours later he discovers her lifeless body seated on the toilet. Mae Rose McElroy’s sudden death leaves a void in her family and in the entire Midwestern farming community of Fairview. It’s a void Mae Rose will attempt to fill, herself, from the hereafter by meddling directly in earthly affairs.
Mae Rose’s meddling leads to her spiritual expulsion from heaven, and she winds up in the body of Mary Lee Broadmoor (Scary Mary), a crusty writer and director of exquisite horror movies. Mary Lee refuses to succumb to stage-4 pancreatic cancer until she gets one final shot at an elusive Oscar. Like Mae Rose, who argues with God for a return to earth, Mary Lee pleads, from her Hollywood deathbed, for more time to complete her work, as her hospice nurse, Gertie Morgan, looks on.
The two women’s spirits work together, and Mae Rose provides her host with a new script idea: a love story, based on her life! The script earns Mary Lee her coveted Academy Award, but the movie’s release shocks and disturbs Mae Rose’s family. They set out to find, and confront, the woman who has somehow co-opted, and publicly revealed, their personal tragedy.
Along the way, new love emerges as the reader meets a caste of crazy, eccentric, but highly memorable characters. Death by Roses suggests that relationships don’t end at death, but continue until their ultimate purpose is achieved. The universe has every resource at its disposal to get the job done. It also has an amazing sense of humor.
To be on the 2015 Golden Globes Best Dressed list is an honor in itself…of course winning an award is always best. Most of us in the world can’t even afford half the the dresses worn by these leading ladies, so Surroundings Flowers has decided to give you a floral spin to the list. Instead of trying to buy the dress, why not buy the arrangement that matches the dress!
Lupita Nyong’o is Perfection in Plum
It looks like we inspired Giambattista Valli with this couture piece worn by the beautiful Lupita Nyong’o. The dress resembles our Plum Perfection perfectly. The purple bustier looks just like the purple hydrangea depicted in the arrangement, which then flows into the lighter color.
Golden Globes Best Dressed 2015: Luipta Nyong’o in Giambattista Valli
Kate Hudson Flows in White
Elegant, dramatic, and gorgeous are just a few of the words we can use to describe Kate Hudson in her all white Versace gown. We chose Waterfall for this dress because of the flowing train on the dress and the flowing phalaenopsis orchids in the arrangement.
Golden Globes Best Dressed 2015: Kate Hudson in Versace
Reese Witherspoon in Silver
Simple and tasteful describes Reese in this silver Calvin Klein ensemble and our Sentimental in Silver arrangement. Although our arrangement has less glitz and glam, we think its a pretty good match.
Golden Globes Best Dressed 2015: Reese Witherspoon in Calvin Klein
Naomi Watts Looks Just Precious
Naomi looks just Precious in this eye popping dandelion yellow Gucci gown. It obviously reminded us of our arrangement called “Precious” with the pops of yellow peeking through the bed of white phalaenopsis orchids and white hydrangea.
Golden Globes Best Dressed 2015: Naomi Watts in Gucci
Allison Williams is Lavish in Red
Contemporary with a side of pizzazz describes Allison in this Armani Privé gown. Instead of getting the usual dozen red roses, these Lavish Red Roses are bound to make her feel that much more special.
Golden Globes Best Dressed 2015: Allison Williams in Armani Privé