December Birth Flower: Narcissus

The narcissus is the December birth flower and symbolizes good wishes, faithfulness and respect. The narcissus can often be confused with the daffodil, the birth flower for March, which is a type of narcissus. Although most narcissus flowers are spring flowers, there are several species that bloom in the winter, such as the paperwhite narcissus — making it appropriate as the birth flower for December.

The December birthday flower has a rich history. As a native of the Mediterranean, the narcissus was brought over to Asia where it became widely cultivated in China. From there, the narcissus made its way into Europe via European colonists and eventually made its way into North America. Today, the narcissus is mainly cultivated in Great Britain, Holland, and The Channel Isles.

Narcissus Meanings and Symbolism

The narcissus flower’s name is derived from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a young hunter who was famed for his attractiveness. He was so attractive that he, himself, was obsessed by his good looks. One day, when looking at his own reflection in pond, he leaned in to take a closer look only to fall in and drown. Therefore, the narcissus is known for being a symbol of vanity in Western culture.

However, in other cultures and organizations around the world, the narcissus carries on different meanings:

• According to the Victorian “Language of Flowers” giving someone a narcissus means that they are “the only one.”
• In Kurdish culture, the narcissus is a symbol of the new year.
• Similarly, in Chinese culture, the narcissus symbolizes the Chinese New Year because it is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring. It is also a symbol of wealth and good fortune for the coming year.
• As a symbol of hope, the narcissus has become an emblem for cancer societies around the world.

December Birthstone

Turquoise and zircon are the birthstones of December.

Turquoise is a gemstone that is popular for its color. A symbol of good fortune and success, it is one of the earliest stones used in jewelry — even as early as 5500 BC. Upon excavation, mummified pharaohs have been found adorned with turquoise bracelets, and turquoise beads were found in ancient Mesopotamian ruins. The turquoise is also the national stone of Iran. In Native American culture, the turquoise is called “Chal-cui-hui-tal” which means “the highest and most valued thing in the world,” and is a large part of southwest American culture. Turquoise has a striking blue-green color that is derived from the combination of copper and iron that’s present within the stone.

Zircon is the secondary birthstone for the month of December. It is a mineral that is typically found as deposits in granite and metamorphic rock, and gemstone quality zircon are rare to come by. Zircon colors can range from red to brown and from orange to yellow. In the 1920s, a blue zircon gemstone was created by heating brown and yellow zircons. The most prized color of zircon is the red gemstone.

December Zodiac Horoscope

According to the zodiac horoscope, both the Sagittarius and Capricorn are born in December.

Sagittarians are characterized as optimistic and upbeat. They are always the first to see the positivity in all things and are known for their loyalty. They are also known for their cheerful personalities, as well as for their humor and wit and soliciting joy and laughter from people around them. Favorite hobbies include being outdoors, sightseeing and going on roadtrips. Sagittarians born in December are born between December 1st to December 22nd.

Capricorns are also characterized as highly pragmatic. They are known as being ambitious and will strive for perfection. Although they can sometimes be blunt when it comes to expressing their opinions, Capricorns have an easy temperament and are excellent at maintaining their composure. Similarly, they are great listeners and are dependable friends. Capricorns born in December are born between December 23rd to December 31st.

Famous Birthdays In December

• Louis Pasteur, French physician and the “Father of microbiology, December 27, 1822
• Georges Seurat, French post-Impressionist painter, December 2, 1859
• Woody Allen, Oscar-winning director, December 1, 1935
• Jane Fonda, American actress, December 21, 1937
• Gianni Versace, fashion designer, December 2, 1946

Do you have a December birthday, or know someone that does? From beautiful bouquets to gourmet birthday treats, check out our selection of truly thoughtful birthday gift ideas! 

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The Dos and Don’ts of Sending Flowers To a Girl & Teleflora coupon code list

For a lot of guys, sending a girl flowers can bring on a lot of pressure and confusion. With so many arrangements and options to choose from, it can be hard to decipher what exactly is the best bouquet to send. To simplify the process, follow the tips below:

When to Send 

It is important to take into consideration when it is the right time to send flowers. The truth is, you can send flowers all the time. Flowers often have the largest impact if sent in the spur of the moment. Your girl will cherish them all the more because a spontaneous bouquet shows she is on your mind. Though the flowers don’t need to be sent for any specific occasion, it is always good to mark down the major holidays when she may be expecting a blooming bouquet at work. These go-to holidays are Valentine’s Day, her birthday, your anniversary (of your first date and your marriage if applicable) and the winter holidays.

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Sending flowers is a great gesture at nearly any moment, but there are two definite times when you should not send a girl flowers. The first is to make an impression. If you don’t know the girl that well she may see this gesture as extravagant and insincere. Ladies like to receive flowers that come with a loving note. Also, do not send a girl flowers during or after a break up. If you want to make things right, you should bring the flowers yourself.

The Note

Remember to always send a card with your flowers. A small, affectionate note will make your gift all the more special. Take your time when trying to decide what to write. The key things to keep in mind are that you should make it personal, and write it from the heart. Shakespeare sonnets are beautiful, but your girl wants to hear from you.

The don’ts of note writing are simple – avoid any cliché phrases and check for grammar – you want to make a good impression.

What to Send

Roses are a classic choice, they symbolize love and passion. These are good to send on a more formal occasion. When roses are in season, from early spring till fall,  they come in more varieties and colors, and florists will have a higher quality and quantity available.

Choose to go one step farther and send her a bouquet that will touch her heart. Try and find out what her favorite flower is – if she has not mentioned one you can always ask one of her close friends. Sending her a bouquet of her favorite flowers will show you pay close attention. If you are not able to find out what her favorite flowers are, opt for a bouquet of her favorite color. Choosing by color offers you a larger variety of in-season blooms, which will last longer and look nicer upon arrival. If her favorite color happens to be blue, you may be limited in choice. Blue is a rare color for natural blooms, so look for gladiolas, delphiniums or hydrangeas. These look good mixed with white flowers, or in a blue vase like theBeautiful in Blue bouquet.

The classic number of individual flowers to order is 12, but luckily, ordering online simplifies the process with pre-arranged bouquets.

If you want to give your girl something she can cherish for a long time, send her a potted plant like the Happy Hydrangea. Do not send a potted plant to her office, it can make for a cumbersome trip home. Do choose to send a pot if your girlfriend happens to like gardening, this way she can add the blooms to her backyard.

Last but not least, make sure you have her full name, address and phone number when ordering. The last thing you want is to send the flowers to the wrong address.

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Picking Flowers for a September Wedding with Teleflora Coupon Code August 2015

September may be the first month of fall, but that doesn't mean that summer's bright colors have gone. September's blooms are full, hardy and gorgeous additions for any wedding, and each flower comes in such a variety of colors that a seasonal floral bouquet can match any color-scheme. For brides purchasing flowers for their September wedding, keep in mind that you will want to make selections that are both locally and seasonally in bloom. The reason being that the florist will likely have an abundance of this genus, whose local blooms should be brighter and last long through the wedding night.

What Blooms Where:

East Coast 
During September, the East Coast will be profuse with amaryllis, bittersweet, crab apple, hydrangea, ornamental berries, rose, sugar maple and sunflower. 

September brides hosting a slightly informal affair would do well to choose sunflowers as their floral focal point. These bright blooms make a statement with a sharp contrast from dark centers to bold petals. These flowers don't only come in the traditional yellow, but they can also be found in lemon, deep gold, orange, russet and brown. If you are a bride expecting to see these large stalks throughout your tent, then look no further, but for the other brides who may be hesitant, be aware that this flower comes in a variety of sizes. Sunflowers are also an ideal wedding bloom because they symbolize adoration and loyalty, perfect for this special day.

Midwest 

At the beginning of fall, the dahlia, rose, scabiosa, rose hip, ornamental berries, crab apple and autumn foliage are at their peak. Get Teleflora coupon code 10% OFF on Teleflora's Sunny Day Pitcher of Roses! Paste following Teleflora coupon code during checkout for the discount! Ends Sep. 30. 2015!

The dahlia is immediately recognizable for its bright and plentiful blooms. These flowers are striking if nothing else, and you can make a statement with them in white, yellow, orange, pink, red or purple. The history of the Dahlia is mired in thievery and intrigue, so it is no wonder that the flower carries the meaning, forever mine.

West Coast 

The flowers you will find in bloom on the West Coast at this time include the chrysanthemum, cosmos, coreopsis, Gerber daisy, hydrangea, lisianthius, pomegranate, rose and rose hip. 

The cosmos is ideal for a romantic wedding. It is much like a daisy, but with a delicate touch. Not only are the blooms gentle in appearance, the foliage also has an airy effect. Even the modern wedding bride would do well to choose a minimalist arrangement with these flowers. You can find cosmos in varying colors from white, pale pink, dark pink to chocolate.

South 

In this part of America in September you can find blooms of bittersweet, galax, hydrangea, ornamental berries, rose, salvia, sassafras and sumac. 

Hydrangeas are a very common flower, and can be found in almost any color imaginable, including rare colors like green, burgundy and blue. Even when dried, these blooms can be dyed to match any wedding color-scheme. The reason this flower is great for weddings in particular is that it represents devotion. What better way to decorate your wedding than with the symbolic touch of a hydrangea?

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How to Use Fresh Flowers in Office Settings

Nothing brightens up a drab office like flowers. Not only can plants enhance the ambience in the office, but they can also help reduce stress and reduce air pollutants. Studies have even shown that flowers and plants can increase worker productivity, since they provide a comfortable, warm environment. Here are some ways to use fresh flowers in office settings:

First off, the best plants for an office are those that require little care. Although the greenery might serve as a bright spot that stands out from the desks and computers, you have enough work to do without remembering to water twice a day. Be sure the flowers can be left over the weekend, in case employees don't want to bring them home. It's also best to stay away from scented flowers. The same way wearing perfume or cologne to work might trigger fragrance-based allergies or be unpleasant to nearby co-workers, scented flowers spell trouble. Lastly, forget about the plants that need a lot of sun – withering flowers are not going brighten anyone's mood.

Greeter

Give a warm welcome to your clients and customers with flowers. Teleflora's Peaceful Zen Garden would be great to put at the entrance to greet customers or clients with positive first impression. The low-maintenance succulents are featured in a brown bamboo container and accented by river rocks and natural river canes of bamboo.
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Window View
Place any plants that require a little extra TLC along the windowsill or on a table by the outdoor light. With live plants complementing street views or skylines, the flowers can make employees feel like they are outside.

Desk Pick-Me-Up

Place a flower pot on your desk next to the computer to provide a refresher from staring at the screen all day. The Regal Orchids arrangement has been known to attract compliments. Displayed in a gorgeous white planter, three miniature phalaenopsis orchid plants shine white, lavender and green amid a bed of zen river rocks. The vibrant colors can lift your mood and make you feel more relaxed – oftentimes a much-need change of pace from the demanding schedule of day-to-day work.

Hanging Plants

Some companies hang the plants from the ceiling. If your office has limited space and reasonably low ceiling, these plants can help you save room and still get the best of the flower world.