5 gift ideas for Administrative Professionals’ Week

Your normal day at the office is filled with plenty of time-consuming tasks – all of which would be nearly impossible without the help of your office secretary. Your administrators are the office gurus that are multi-talented and go above and beyond for both you and the company. Admin Professionals’ Week begins on April 25th. It’s time for all you business professionals out there to thank your real-life Pam Beasley/Halpert in your office.

According to a 2013 study by Staples, the administrative assistant is the most-trusted employee, ahead of both the boss and human resource specialist. Additionally, two-thirds of employees believe the admin assistant is the biggest asset to the office. In 2014, the Staples conducted a similar survey and found that, for two consecutive years, majority of employees believe their admin boosts office morale and is a better team player than the boss.

Celebrate all week by giving a little gift each day. Here five ideas to get you through Admin Professionals’ Week:

1. MONDAY: Bouquet of flowers
Kick the week off with one of Teleflora’s special Administrative Professionals’ Week arrangements or something to put on the windowsill like Teleflora’s Make Their Daisies Bouquet or Teleflora’s Peaceful Zen Garden. You can never go wrong with gifting flowers. Be sure to include a cute note that says something like, “From sending forms and fixing files, to sorting through those paper piles, we thank you. From completing tasks with time to spare, and always knowing what goes where, we thank you. Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day to our favorite teammate, working with you is extremely great!”

15% OFF All Flowers Sitewide W/ Teleflora Coupon Code

15% OFF All Flowers Sitewide with using this Teleflora Coupon Code during checkout! Valid through April 30.2016!

$15 OFF When You Order Early for Mother's Day

Save $15 OFF When You Order Early for Mother's Day with code. Offer valid through April 30th!

See more Teleflora coupon code, click here http://coupon4share.com/store/teleflora.com

Teleflora’s Make Their Daisies Bouquet

2. TUESDAY: LifeSaver
Fill a reusable water bottle up with LifeSavers (wrapped, of course) and attach a note saying, “You’re a LifeSaver! Thanks for all your help.” This is a great gift because your executive assistant will keep the water bottle on his or her desk and actually use it at work!

3. WEDNESDAY: Lucky charm
The administrative assistant is your lucky charm. After all, they do everything they can to help you get through the day. Fill a mason jar up with Lucky Charms and attach a note that says, “Thanks for being my Lucky Charm!”

4. THURSDAY: Pocket full of sunshine
There’s nothing like a pocket full of sunshine to help brighten someone’s day. Fill a bag full of yellow bite-size candies like Nerds, Now and Laters, Lemon Heads and Laffy Taffys. Attach a note that says, “Here’s a pocket full of sunshine to brighten your day.”

5. FRIDAY: Tasty pastries
An array of sweet treats is a great way to end a long week, especially if it’s a box of delicious donuts. On Friday morning, present your office secretary with an array of donuts, and attach a note that reads, “I donut know what I would do without you!”

Parents, Let’s Chat at our #OneToughMother Party

We know that motherhood isn’t always hearts and roses…but it can be this Mother’s Day. There’s a lot more to mom than most people know, and she should be shown the appreciation she deserves! This year, let’s rally around all the messes and merriments of motherhood.

Join our #OneToughMother Twitter party to talk about the ups and downs and share memorable stories and tips.

WHAT: #OneToughMother
WHEN: May 4th at 1pm EST
HOSTS: @Teleflora and co-host @somedyilllearn using chat hashtag #OneToughMother
PRIZES: $850 in Visa gift card giveaways + 10 Teleflora bouquets. 10% OFF All Flowers Sitewide with Teleflora coupon code! Ends April 30.2016! Click here
RSVP: Sign up below (click the “Add your link” blue button) and join us on Twitter with the hashtag to be eligible for prizes

Please enter a link to your Twitter handle.

1.

@somedayilllearn

2.

jennifer yowell

3.

@mummadear

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Video: One Tough Mother

Motherhood isn’t always hearts and roses. But Mother’s Day can be with a bouquet from Teleflora.

Celebrate a special mom in your life.  Shop our Mother’s Day collection here: Teleflora.com.

3 surprise gift ideas for Mother’s Day

Without her, you would be lost. She taught you how to tie your shoes, when to say “thank you,” and how to love. She made you feel better with chicken noodle soup whenever you were sick. She was there to congratulate you on all your accomplishments and offered a shoulder to cry on during those tough breakups. She’s your cheerleader, your hero, your best friend. Yep, that’s right, we’re talking about the one lady who has always been there for you, and always will be – your mom.

On May 8, it’s time to honor the most important woman in your life in by doing something out of the ordinary, something you’ve never done before. Are you running out of ideas? That’s OK because Teleflora did the work for you. And with every gift, be sure to send her a beautiful bouquet of our Mother’s Day Flowers for an extra special touch. After all, you can never go wrong with colorful blooms! Save $15 OFF When You Order Early for Mother's Day with Teleflora coupon code. Offer valid through April 30th!

This year, celebrate mom with these three special gifts:

1. Make a photo album
Your mom has plenty of photos stuffed in shoeboxes that have been hiding in your basement. For years, she’s been talking about compiling the pictures to create a photo album for each of her kids, ranging from birth to major life events. Your mom has never been a great organizer, hence all the boxes stuffed with an array of photographs. Before Mother’s Day rolls around, head down to your mom’s basement, find your specific shoebox and create an album. Consider gathering your siblings to join in on the album making, too. This is a great way to reinforce family values, as you and your siblings can block out an entire day to make the albums for her. Get creative and include all those silly selfies you have on your phone, too!

And you know what goes great with a photo album? A brilliant bouquet of roses – you can’t go wrong. Show your mom some love with the newest Mother’s Day arrangement, Teleflora’s Love And Joy Bouquet. This delightful bouquet includes hot pink roses, pink miniature carnations, lavender stock, lavender cushion spray chrysanthemums, white sinuata statice, and huckleberry.

Teleflora’s Love And Joy Bouquet

2. Plan a surprise getaway
Your mom is one busy lady – always working late so she barely has time to plan adventures for herself. Instead of her taking the time out of her hectic day to plan a trip, do the research and plan a surprise getaway for her. You always hear her talking about how she wants to step out of her comfort zone and go hiking out West, so look into trails and paths, and map something out for her. Once all the fine details are tuned, present your mom with Teleflora’s lovely Cotton Candy bouquet and attach a note that reads:

Pack your bags, it’s time to go
To a place that has no snow.
You’re going on a hike, you don’t need your bike.
Get ready to explore West, it truly is the very best!
It’s time you relax to relieve some stress.
It’s time to dip, so board the ship.
Happy Mother’s Day, enjoy your trip!

Once she reads the note, hand her the tickets and the completed itinerary – she’ll be thrilled!

3. Fill her garden
You know how much your mom loves having a blooming garden with radiant flowers and fresh foliage, but she has been just way too busy lately to do the work herself. The perfect time to do this is when your mom’s at the office, so take a day off and channel your inner green thumb. Commission your siblings, significant other or kids to help out, too. The more the merrier and the quicker the garden will start to grow. Plant an array of all your mom’s favorite flowers. Line the walkway with multicolored tulips to create a welcoming vibe as she walks through her garden. It’ll be like you gave her a year’s supply of flowers!

However you decide to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, your mom will appreciate any gift that comes from the heart.

March birthday with aquamarine flowers

With its fresh, watery hue, the cool blue tone of aquamarine brings hope, love, health and longevity. According to legend, all those March babies out there who wear this gentle stone have the power to strengthen courage, increase joy and rekindle a marriage.

Instead of the typical gift card, movie ticket or one-day pass to the spa, celebrate the birth of your loved ones with a symbolic gift and send them a dreamy bouquet of aquamarine flowers.

Here are four bouquets with a touch of this enchanting color plus one extra arrangement special for March:

1. Everything’s Beachy by Teleflora

Aquamarine is a mixed bluish-green gem that is derived from a mineral called beryl. This mineral descended from the Greek word “beryllos”, which literally translates to a precious blue-green color-of-sea-water stone.

In keeping with the beachy, exotic vibe that the color aquamarine is associated with, send your loved one an Everything’s Beachy Bouquet by Teleflora. Brilliant blue hydrangeas, white asiatic lilies, freesia and Queen Anne’s lace come beautifully arranged in an acrylic vase with an invisible panel that holds a plethora of delicate seashells. This arrangement will make the special birthday boy or girl feel like he or she just took a stroll down a sandy beach! Save 15% on April Birthday Flowers with code. Offer valid through 04/30/2016!! Visit at http://coupon4share.com/store/TELEFLORA.COM

2. Teleflora’s Seaside Centerpiece

Another arrangement that yields a similar beachy aesthetic is Teleflora’s Seaside Centerpiece. Shades of icy blue hydrangea and delphinium are surrounded by creme roses, white lilies and Queen Anne’s lace. For extra depth and emphasis, pitta negra and eucalyptus cascade around the arrangement, which rests in an antique mercury glass vase. Your loved ones will be happy to share this gorgeous arrangement with their family. Or, they might keep it to themselves and place it on bedroom nightstand. Either way, you will win them over with these tropical blooms!

3. Beautiful in Blue

Blue is a whimsical color that brings peace and serenity to the mind and body. Help your friends and loved ones celebrate a March birthday with this feeling by sending them the Beautiful in Blue bouquet. Sky blue hydrangeas, cream roses, white oriental lilies, alstroemeria, a disbud mum, purple statice and lavender limonium are surrounded with seeded eucalyptus and salal that complement the hues of the petals. The arrangement is hand-delivered in a vibrant cobalt blue glass vase that can be repurposed in the future.

4. Happy Hydrangea

Keep it simple while still showing some March symbolism by sending that special birthday someone theHappy Hydrangea arrangement. This heavenly bouquet of blue hydrangeas is potted in a 6-inch, white ceramic planter. These pompom-shaped blooms are sure to brighten anyone’s day with their cheery vibe and sweet fragrance. In addition to its grace and beauty, this plush flower symbolizes the relationship between two people, making it the perfect arrangement to send to someone you love on his or her birthday!

5. Teleflora’s Daffodil Dreams

If you’re a bigger fan of March’s birth flower than the stone, don’t worry – Teleflora has just the arrangement you can send to your loved one. The Daffodil Dreams bouquet screams happiness and represents a new beginning – the perfect gift for celebrating another year of life. Fresh-cut yellow and bicolored daffodils are adorned with crisp green bupleurum and arranged in a clear cube vase.

Before you make your final decision, be sure to check out all of Teleflora’s birthday flowers. No matter which arrangement you choose to send, your loved one will open the door with a huge smile on his or her face, as there is no greater gift than a hand-delivered bouquet of flowers on your birthday. Don’t forget to include a card, too!

8 this to do outside this spring

The weather is warming up, so it’s time to kick off those fur boots, shed your winter jacket and start enjoying the fresh spring air. It’s the perfect season to spend some quality time with friends and family in the great outdoors.

From backyard barbecues to picnics in the park, here are eights ways to keep busy this spring:

1. Scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt is a great activity for kids, especially if it’s centered around the outdoors. Keep it spring-themed and have the kids search for things like dew drops, leaves, bees, spider webs, colorful flowers and a bird’s nest. In keeping with the theme, reward the winning team with cookies or cupcakes decorated like a flower.

2. Go camping
Plan a weekend getaway in the woods for you and your family. Take mini day hikes, go fishing, tell campfire stories and, of course, roast marshmallows over an open flame – just like you used to when you were a camper. Invite a couple of your closet family friends, too! You can even camp out in your backyard, but be sure to make a rule that prohibits electronic devices to reflect what it would actually be like in the forest.

3. Grow a garden
Flex your green thumb and start a garden. Pant an array of colorful flowers like tulips, daffodils orhydrangea. Consider sectioning off an area in your garden to grow fruits, vegetables and herbs, too. Some of the best herbs to grow in early spring are cilantro, lemon balm, dill and basil. Once your herbs are ready to use, throw them in a homemade dish!

You could also decorate your walkway by lining your porch with some of Teleflora’s Spring Flower Arrangements. For a clean-looking aesthetic, go for potted plants like Teleflora’s Blushing Lilies or Yellow Fellow. Enjoy $15 Off Spring Flowers with Teleflora promo code. Offer valid through April 30.2016!

4. Get in the game
Looking for a way to be more active in your local community? Sign up and join an adult sports league like softball or soccer. It’s a great way for you and your significant other to be more involved in the community and meet new people in the neighborhood. Check to see if there are leagues for your kids, too!

5. Chalk-drawn art show
Kids always love drawing with sidewalk chalk, so gather a group of your neighborhood friends and create an art show for the kids. Draft a flier with the who, what, where, when and why, and pass it out to all of the houses in your subdivision. This is a great way for kids to show off their artistic abilities and interact with their neighborhood buddies.

6. Host a carwash
Want to make some quick cash? Set up a neighborhood car wash, but make sure you check out the weather report first. Be sure to pick a sunny day on the weekend – that’s when you’ll get the most business. Create and pass out flyers a couple of days in advance to advertise the carwash. To make a couple of extra bucks, set up a lemonade stand so patrons can enjoy a refreshing drink while they wait for their cars to be cleaned.

7. Train for a marathon
You’ve always dreamed of being marathon runner, so why not turn it into a reality. You can either fly solo or commission a group of your friends (or even you kids!) and have them run with you. This doesn’t necessarily even have to be running. Look into a bike marathon or an obstacle course.

8. Get artsy
Instead of painting with traditional brushes or even fingers, use water guns instead. Fill the guns with washable paint, head outside and have your kids fire on a blank canvas. Section off certain areas with tape to create unique shapes and interesting designs.

How to properly cut your flower stems

You just purchased or received a brilliant bouquet of flowers. To prolong the life expectancy of your blooms, proper care is necessary.

Here’s how to properly cut your flower stems:

1. On an angle

The first step in extending the life of your flowers is to individually cut each stem on a 45-degree angle. The reason for the angled cut is to increase the surface area, allowing the flowers to absorb more water. Be to use sharp kitchen shears or a sterile knife. Avoid using dull tools because they can squish the stem, which will hinder its ability to uptake an adequate amount of water.

2. Underwater

It is recommended to cut your flower stems under a steady stream of water. The reason for this is because when the stem is cut, the flower’s roots immediately loses access to water. As air flows through the stem, an air pocket or embolism occurs, preventing the absorption of water. Cutting underwater reduces the risk of air pockets and allows the flowers to absorb water right away.

3. Length

Although it may look like the stems have already been cut, flowers can always benefit from a regular maintenance check. After you place the stems under water, cut about 3/4 to 1 inch off the bottom. If you notice some discoloration on the stem, feel free to cut until all the browning is removed. Additionally, cut off any excess leaves that fall below the water line. This reduces rotting and clouding in the water.

4. Proper timing

Typically, flowers are shipped dry, so in order for them to sufficiently rehydrate, you must cut the stems again. You’ll want to re-cut the stems on a pre-arranged bouquet, too. Basically, flowers should be re-cut after they are purchased, picked or delivered. You’ll want to cut the stems of your flowers about every three days. Be sure to clean the vase and change the water, too.

5. Flower type

Certain flowers need more TLC than others, so be sure to do your research to know how much attention to give. For instance, alstroemeria and daisies are thirsty flowers, so they need lots of water. Birds of Paradise thrive in warm environments, so place them in a room that is above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.Calla lilies and peonies are fragile and bruise easily, – handle with care. Carnations are especially susceptible to ethylene gas, so avoid putting these blooms in your kitchen. Gerber daisies collect bacteria, so change their water daily and replenish with floral food. If your hydrangeas are starting to wilt, revive them by cutting the stems a bit and placing them in warm water for about an hour. 15% OFF All Flowers Sitewide with using this Teleflora Coupon Code during checkout! Valid through April 30.2016! Click here

General tips:

Flowers should be kept in a cool environment – between 65 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Keep your flowers away from direct sunlight, heating or cooling vents, under ceiling fans or on top of radiators and TVs. The heat will increase the rate of water evaporation, and your flowers will start to dehydrate.

To further extend the life of your flowers, drop an aspirin in the vase. This will help reduce the bacteria count in the water.

Keep your arrangements away from fruit, as it releases ethylene gas. This gas will prematurely age your flowers and cause them to wilt sooner.

Be sure to check out Teleflora for more information on how to care for fresh cut flowers.

3 ways to protect your garden from spring frost

Are you starting notice bits of frost on your flowers and foliage? While chilly nights are the norm in spring, you may have started gardening a bit too soon. If you don’t know how to properly tend to your garden and protect your plants from frost, this could pose a serious threat. A freeze occurs when temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Water inside the plant freezes and causes the cells to burst.

There is an array of vulnerable plants that will be vastly affected by a freeze. These include both house and tropical plants, spring-blooming shrubs, trees, tender bulbs, warm-season vegetables like tomato, corn and pepper, and warm-season annuals like impatiens, petunia and geranium.

Here are three ways to protect your garden from spring frost:

1. Bring them indoors
If your plants are in a container like Teleflora’s Orchid & Tropical Plants, simply bring them inside until the weather starts to warm up. If they’re bulbed plants like tulips, consider digging them up and storing them in a cool, dry place. Use Teleflora Coupon Code for 20% OFF Deal of the Day! Never miss such a chance! Valid until April 30.2016!

2. Hydrate before a frost
Check the weather daily, and be sure to thoroughly water your plants before the cold comes. You should be watering your soil about 6 inches deep. Damp soil traps more heat than dry soil, so hydrating your plants will add insulation and help prevent desiccation in your flowers.

3. Cover them up overnight
Before you turn in for the night, be sure to tuck your plants in – they’re your babies, too! Uncover all plants in the morning if the weather is above 40 degrees.

Sprouts
For your tender sprouts, place an upside down bucket or flower pot on top of them.

Shrubs and trees
For larger pants like your shrubs and trees, layer and cover them with bedding, burlap or frost cloths – steer clear of plastic. Completely drape the cover over the foliage, making sure it goes all the way to the ground.

Garden flowers
Submerge stakes into the ground around your flowers to prop the bedsheets or lightweight blankets up. This will help prevent squishing your beautiful blooms.

Don’t make the mistake of leaving the covering over your plants for multiple days in a row – especially when the weather doesn’t call for more than one day of frost. Take the protection off as soon as those sunny rays are shining bright. The reason being is because plants cannot breathe under heavy containers or layers of fabric. The quick removal of any protective covering will eliminate the creation of another stress factor for your plants.