Merry Christmas

The Simple Magic of Christmas is one of the greatest gifts any of us can receive this Holiday Season . . . it doesn't come in a box with pretty ribbons and paper . . . but it warms you better than any sweater!  You won't find it in any store or online and it never goes on sale, you won't have to break out the credit cards or your cash because it is FREE!  It is the joy that each of us can share with those of us we meet everyday . . not just in December but all through the year.  A simple smile, allowing someone to 'go before you', the wave of your hand in a friendly 'hello', the mending of broken bridges with family and friends are just some of the treasures you will discover if you open your heart to the Spirit of this Season.

I wish all of you a very Merry and Blessed Christmas . . . make wonderful memories with those around you . . . share yourself and your talents . . . we can all make this world a better place as we spread the gift of Christmas all through the year!!!

Happy Halloween!!!

Halloween is so much fun!!!!  It brings out 'the kid' in all of us and who doesn't LOVE Chocolate!!!

Well this past week has been so hectic and busy with all the prep for Trick Or Treat Night, Weddings and having friends popping in 'just to see' what I had going on . . . . I love the colors of Autumn and my own Wedding took place in October -- what is even better is my sister-in-law got married on Halloween!!!! 

I did this outdoor tablescape and wanted to incorporate all the bounty of the season, including California Grown 'Black Magic' roses from Florabundance, local grasses, berries, broom corn that I grow here at Best Buds and which every 'good' witch needs for Halloween and lots of other goodies stashed throughout this centerpiece. 

Now for the Great Pumpkin!!!  Charlie Brown would be so proud of my husband -- he grew this 87 pounder in his prize Pumpkin Patch and of course, I had to use it as a background for this gorgeous Bridal Bouquet!

Well I wish all of you a great Halloween -- May the 'Great Pumpkin' stop by your home along with all of your family and friends to celebrate this fun holiday!

Oh and one more picture . . . like I said, it brings out the KID in all of us

October Glory - Wedding in Jim Thorpe, PA

This photo album generated with Smilebox

I had the pleasure of traveling up to Jim Thorpe, PA yesterday to deliver the designs I created for Kim & Randy's Destination Wedding. 
This little village carved out of a mountainside takes you back in time and I marveled at the sights and sounds as I waited in the line of cars and motorcycles that were 'crawling' along the road that overlooks a Gorge created by the swift moving waters of the Lehigh River. 
After making my left turn past the Train Station that was bustling with visitors boarding the cars that would take them over majestic trestles to view the changing of the leaves I encountered a vision of yesteryear as horse drawn carriages and Iron Porches adorned with well kept window boxes bursting with an assortment of flowers and foliage greeted me -- was this a dream I asked myself??? No this was Jim Thorpe in all it's glory -- it's true a visit there will definitely 'slow' you down in the best kind of way. 
 I hope you enjoy this little Photo Journal of yesterday's Event!

Summer Time!!!!

Iron Lakes Country Club, Orefield, PA

A beautiful Summer afternoon and this pergola stands ready for the bride and groom to arrive to exchange their vows at this lovely Country Club Setting by the lake.

This is what I love about Weddings,
 each one has it's own story and special flavors.

I have been blessed this Summer to be a part of so many Weddings and to share in a variety of Love Stories!!! 

 I want to say Thank You to all of my brides for this opportunity.

You can look forward to a collection of photos that will be appearing on Best Buds' new website -- same address http://www.bestbudsfloral.com

Mike from Big Pixel Studio will be returning from his vacation and he and I have a 'date' to teach me 'how to drive' the website --- so be on the look out for more great photos to be added to the Gallery.

Remember . . .

'To love a person is to learn the song that is in their heart and to sing it to them when they have forgotten' . . . author unknown

Have a great day!

New Website is Coming to Best Buds!!!!

Another free photo slideshow by Smilebox

Jim Thorpe Weddings

Have you ever visited Jim Thorpe, PA???  If you have not, I am going to take you on a short visit to acquaint you with this unique village.  I use the term village because it reminds me of a small town in the Austrian countryside where my grandparents were born.  The buildings are old, the roads are narrow and some are even carved into the hillside making it accessible only on foot. 

So why am I telling you about Jim Thorpe?  Well, I had the pleasure of meeting two Wedding Professionals who are on a quest to make Jim Thorpe a location where you can have a local 'Destination Wedding' without flying to Austria!!!  Amber Breiner is a professional photographer who took the vintage wedding photo above in Jim Thorpe and it features one of my bouquet designs.  I met Amber last year when she phoned me to tell me about her photo shoot and I designed the bouquet for her model.  Amber recently developed the website www.jimthorpeweddings.com which features local vendors, restaurants, caterers and yours truly.  She is marketing the site to potential couples to consider using this local flavor of talent for their special day.  She and her husband Josh, also a professional photographer, are very talented artists and they travel to your destination whether it is in the good old USA or overseas -- when you visit the above website click on Josh and Amber's Ad and treat yourself to a gallery of their unique photos.

Now, let me tell you about Tara!!!  Tara Kubas is a Wedding & Event Coordinator who moved to Jim Thorpe from Long Island, NY.  Tara and I met this past week for the first time face to face -- we chatted on the phone but on Friday I had the chance to sit and discuss with Tara her vision to also utilize Jim Thorpe's charm to attract couples. Tara is the featured Wedding Planner on Amber's Site.   This is a gal who did events in the Hamptons and she views the beauty of this area as something that is unique & marketable as a Wedding destination both for local residents and from surrounding areas like New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, & Connecticut!!!  She also has her own website, www.jimthorpeweddings.net -- give her a 'click' and you will be amazed at just how affordable a Wedding Planner can be!!!

Tara is planning a Wedding Expo, Saturday, November 13, 2010 -- for more information go to www.jtweddingexpo.com -- it is going to be a wonderful time to travel to the Jim Thorpe area and I invite you to pass this information on to anyone you know who is planning a Wedding or for that matter any event.  Also, if you are a Wedding professional, check this out and sign up to be a vendor at the Expo!!! 

OK, that is it for now on Jim Thorpe Weddings!!!  I am very excited for Tara & Amber!!!  They are two great gals who are an asset to the world of Wedding Professionals and I am very pleased to have had the opportunity to meet them and share their dream!!!

Elegant Weddings

The sounds of a Classical Guitar adds the right touch to this photo gallery of some gorgeous Bridal Bouquets - you can almost smell the roses!!
Enjoy and remember 'Celebrate With Flowers'!!!

See something you like -- I would love to hear from you, feel free to add your comments!

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Bridal Birdcage!

Simple- Yet Elegant -- This Bridal Birdcage is destined to capture everyone's attention as they share their best wishes with the happy bride & groom!

Personalize your own free scrapbook design

Bringing Sunshine!!!

Can you believe we are almost through April!!!!! Yikes -- time does fly when you are having fun!!!

I have been richly blessed with another busy season of Bridal Consultations and Bookings for 2010. I love meeting people and helping them plan their 'Picture Perfect Day'.

Whenever I do a consultation, I like to get information ahead of time about colors, likes/dislikes, etc. so I can order in a selection of magnificent flowers for everyone to touch, smell and enjoy. It's like 'Show & Tell' - I don't know who has more fun!!!!

It brings a smile to my face and 'sunshine' in my heart when I bring out a cooler bucket of these blooms and my potential bride comments that she will take the 'bucket' just the way it is!!! I have always said, flowers do all the work -- I just help them out now and then -- tee hee!!!

Today, Jeff Leatham reinforced that statement -- He was a guest on Oprah Winfrey's Show featuring 'Dream Jobs' and he spoke about how he entered the world of Floral Designer -- He needed a job! He is a premier Floral Designer who didn't know he was a floral designer -- he had a friend who gave him a chance at the Four Seasons Hotel to try his hand at floral design - he took the flowers and let them do the work!!! Today he made Hydrangea Clouds for Oprah -- absolutely awesome and breathtaking!!!

Bring some 'Clouds' & 'Sunshine' into your day -- find your Passion and make it work for you!!! Remember - Celebrate Life With Flowers!

Spring Miracles!

There is nothing better than getting up at the crack of dawn, pouring that hot cup of coffee and stepping out onto the porch to watch the sun rise. This morning the Garden beckoned me to grab my camera and share a few of Life's little Miracles with all of you! So pour your favorite beverage, sit back and enjoy the power of these little flowers! Remember to always Celebrate Life With Flowers!

Make a free digital collage

2010 Prom Season

The excitement is everywhere in High Schools across the Country -- Prom Season is here! Meeting with all these great young people is such a joy. Their energy inspires me and listening to their dreams about their future is like experiencing the Fountain of Youth. I hope you enjoy this little Scrapebook of corsages and boutonnieres that I put together -- Do you remember your Prom? Times have changed a bit but that Special Night is still a big deal!!! Enjoy and it's great to know that Celebrating with Flowers is Universal!!

Create a scrapbooking design

Perfect Wedding Flowers

Make your own digital scrapbook

Spring Has Sprung!!!

It's Finally HERE!!!! SPRING HAS SPRUNG!!!

OK, I will try to control my excitement -- but I really have a bad case of Spring Fever. Seriously, this past week of warm weather has caused me to see myself 'coming and going'!!

I have a list that is as wide as the Grand Canyon of everything I WANT to do!

Now that does not mean there are enough hours in the day to do them but I sure try to push the envelope!

Those of you who know me or have been a client of mine are sure to attest to the fact that I am an avid gardener.

Seed Catalogs to me are better than reading any Best Seller!!!

I think my Dad planted the 'seed' of gardening in me when I was a little girl following him like a 'puppy' in our backyard, begging to 'let me help' put the seeds in the ground!

He had a special way to plant everything -- for instance, bean seeds

Ahhh, ' The Lesson of the Bean!'

That is a whole other posting!!!

But if you have not noticed, the bulbs are popping everywhere, the trees are blooming and the perfume of Spring is everywhere!

With Spring -- comes Romance -- that's right -- Love is in the Air!!!

Just watch the birds, the bunnies and the bees!!!

They are all doing the Love Dance!!!

I was intrigued by a pair of Doves at my Bird Feeder -- what a show they were putting on!

Strutting their stuff all around the feeder and birdbath -- too funny!

The Nests are going up like wildfire in our woods (no economic slow down here!)-- the birds are picking apart my porch displays just to get a 'rare' Best Buds' trinket to feather their nests!

So don't let the birds get ahead of you -- dress up that front door of yours with one of my Signature Wreaths

That's right, Best Buds is more than Weddings and Special Events!

My wreaths are ONE OF A KIND!!!

And not only the birds will be cursious about your new wreath, your friends and neighbors will all want to know 'where did you get that beauty?''

Afraid that the birds will try to fly away with your new addition -- don't fret, Best Buds' Wreaths look GREAT anywhere in your home!!!

I will customize your wreath to suit your tastes and colors -- yes, they have to be ordered but believe me they are worth the small wait you will have as I custom create them for YOU!!!

So, remember -- get outdoors

Smell the Flowers!

Watch Mother Nature perform her Magic

And 'Spring' the Good Earth Back to Life!

Celebrate With Flowers

&

Thanks for Following My Blog!!!!

What is a Floral Garden Studio?

How is your Floral Garden Studio different from a Flower Shop? I have been asked this question over and over again so I decided to write a wee bit about the differences between a private non-retail studio like Best Buds and the retail Flower Shops you are accustomed to walking into and purchasing your flowers.

Ahhhh!!! The words -'walk into' -- right there is the first major difference -- all of my hours are by appointment because each of my clients are treated to my undivided attention without interruptions -- the phone is not answered, no blackberries are buzzing and there is no 'tweeting' going on!

Private Studios also are usually dedicated to specialty services -- Best Buds does not participate with wire services, or take orders for single designs, etc. as a Retail Flower Shop would do. My services are streamlined into a specialty category -- mine are Weddings, Special Celebrations - parties, showers, anniversaries, banquets, etc. and Home & Seasonal Decor.

So let's start with Weddings -- My studio is attached to my residence. There is no commercial sign because there is no walk in traffic.

When you schedule a Bridal Consultation with me I normally spend about two hours with a client discussing what their vision is for their very special day! I always want to know what the bride's dress looks like -- a photo/website where I can view it is wonderful!!! Also, the colors of her attendants and the attire of the Groom and 'his men'! Why do I want to know this -- it is like a puzzle and all the pieces need to fit!

Like 'David Tutera' I listen to what brides want for their floral designs, look at photos, and sometimes a client will have no idea what they want. Yes, I have books just as all the other shops do but you will never see me write up a price quote and copy from one of them. At Best Buds your flowers become a work of art created just for YOU because your day should not be a carbon copy of last weeks' bride -- you need to own it!

Another difference is the quality and freshness of products. Each event's flowers are ordered in just a few days prior to the date. All material is inspected by ME and must pass my tough standards -- and believe me I won't place my name on a bruised petal!!!

I do not do packages -- why? you ask -- well the answer is simple, your event is unique and I would not want to diminish the importance of your flowers and be forced to follow the guidelines of a package -- if I want to add an extra flower here and there -- I do!!! Yes, you get so many extras from Best Buds -- just ask my former brides -- they will be happy to tell you!!!

Now the down side!!! My designer resources are limited -- it is 'Me, Myself & I' who design and create your flowers. You will see my face the day of your Wedding -- because I want to see yours too and the smile that flashes across when you finally get to See & Touch YOUR flowers!!! I do have professional assistants that help me package, deliver and set up events - each one of them is an important part of Best Buds!

I do not do rentals - they can be easily gotten from so many other sources. My focus is flowers!!!

So I hope this little introduction to Best Buds was helpful. I plan to cover the rest of my Specialty Services in future Blogs. Let me know if you have any questions -- I will be happy to listen and address your concerns for your special day!!!

Have a great weekend -- stay dry and think Spring!!!! (I did see two Robins this week!)

Spring Displays!!

The change of Seasons is one of my most favorite things about being located in the Lehigh Valley Area of Pennsylvania!

So right after Valentine's Day I begin to 'think Spring' and start my displays of whimsy and flowers to depict the current Season!!! Best Buds is a non-retail shop -- we are a Garden Floral Studio -- but that does not stop the designer in me from going full steam ahead with displays. I could not resist sharing this photo with all of you from a display that 'points' clients in the right direction when they come for their appointments -- this morning it was covered in soft fluffy snowflakes that seemed to tickle the rabbits' noses and make them smile. It was too good to pass up so the 'shutter bug' in me took a wee sampling of pictures and I hope you like this one!!!

We are coming to the end of February and March is knocking at the door -- this is a wonderful time to meet with your floral designer to discuss your Wedding Plans. The best advice I can offer to clients is to have your color scheme when you meet with your designer. Attire is important but color is what is happening when you step into the world of Flowers! The American Institute of Floral Designers is currently offering a Color Study Program on-line hosted by one of the uBloom experts, Leanne Kesler. It's a great refresher because Color Study is basic when you begin a Floral Design Program. You can never 'know enough' about trends and color. My goal is make sure 'I learn something new each day' and if I can share that with someone then it was worthwhile!!! So for today, let's enjoy the 'White' of the Snow and start planning for the Bright Spring Colors that will soon be popping up all around us!!!

Ask Best Buds!

Well Valentine's Day is over -- we are shoveled out here in PA and getting ready for another drop of snow from the heaven's above! I want to wish my sister, Monica, a great big Happy Birthday today as well!!! She missed being a Valentines' baby by a few minutes!!! Sorry Monica!!!! You still have the LOVE!!!!

This is the time of year for Bridal Shows and having done them in the past I remember the two day marathons of talking talking and more talking!!! I loved it!!!!! I got to meet all these great people and was able to chat about their 'dreams' for the perfect day!!! I came home hoarse but happy.

Best Buds did not sign up to participate as a vendor at the Bridal Shows this year - ahhhh :-(

I decided to take another approach to talk to all of you who have questions -- I started this Blog and put Best Buds Specialty Florists on Facebook (not to be confused with Best of Buds who is also on there) to be able to talk with you about your Wedding, Event, Home Decor, Flower, etc. questions -- all for free. Now I won't be able to give you price quotes and all that 'juicy' stuff without having you come in for a Bridal Consultation -- they too are FREE.

Why the questions? Well sometimes you are looking at flowers and you are not sure if they will hold up, look right -- what works what doesn't - what is affordable -- what is not -- what is in season and all that good stuff. That is where 'Ask Best Buds' comes in. Just another way to help you have what you want. You won't have to stand in line to talk to a floral designer, you won't have to call a local Flower Shop or sit through a consultation 'when you only have a question' - you can sign up to be a follower on this blog, or visit Best Buds on Facebook - become a Fan and get ready to ask your questions because now you have access to a Floral Designer who will be happy to give you an honest answer - no strings attached. If I don't know the answer I will tell you!

I don't know about you but I'm excited to hear from all of you and if you don't have a question that is OK too -- I still would love to hear from you -- share your thoughts, your pictures, your dreams, or just tell us how we are doing and what we can do to be better!

Think Spring -- it's just around the corner!

Snow Storm Creations

Today we are having a Blizzard in PA and I am able to view Mother Nature's Beauty from my Garden Design Studio Window. The snow has been falling like soft feathers since last evening! I currently am working on a new portfolio for designs from 2009 and I came across this delicate Bridal Bouquet and I immediately thought of 'Snow Angels'!!! This very feminine design was created with Ivory Vendella Roses, Pale Bianca Candy Roses and White Mini-Calla Lilies which look very much like the tips of Angel Wings!!!! When I saw this photo I wanted to share it to give you some inspiration on this Snowy Day. If you are not having snow where you live -- then close your eyes and maybe you will feel the tickle of snowflakes on your face.
Well, I must get back to work now. I hope all of you will have a chance today to go outside and make your own Snow Angel! Enjoy and remember to Celebrate with Flowers!