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Tips For Sending Flowers This Mother’s Day

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Sending flowers this Mother’s Day? While ordering online, you could just send flowers from any floral website, but armed with a little insight and some easy-to-follow tips, you’ll make a lasting impression with Mom.

Mother’s Day is the biggest holiday for flower deliveries nationwide, as Americans spend a whopping $1.9 billion each year, according to the National Retail Federation. How do you make sure your flowers are a cut above the rest?

“Flowers, like any other present, make a bold statement. If it’s the thought that counts, then choose thoughtfully,” said Farbod Shoraka, CEO of BloomNation.com, the online floral marketplace that connects local florists around the country with savvy consumers.

When it comes to ordering your Mother’s Day flowers, here are some key tips:

• Think pink: Instead of traditional roses, consider pink peonies, which are both in-season and on-trend now. Very fragrant, peonies’ have a long-lasting full-bloom, so Mom will be thinking of you for a long time. They can also come in bold fuchsia. Are ultra-feminine colors not Mom’s thing? Don’t worry — there are plenty of other shades perfect for springtime, such as emerald, grayed jade and poppy red.

• Go local: Avoid websites that post generic stock photos instead of accurate pictures of what you’re really ordering. These sites are generally floral brokers that take a large commission from the florist while charging expensive service fees to consumers. The result can be lower quality and higher prices for products with an impersonal feel. Instead, opt for a local florist.

• Seek quality: The difference between a top local florist and a run-of-the-mill amateur can be enormous. Look for online reviews, Facebook fans and even a well-maintained Pinterest page as clues that you are dealing with a florist who can turn flowers into art.

• Make it easy: Some websites ship flowers in a box. Don’t make flower delivery a hassle for Mom. Ensure that the flowers are already designed and will be hand delivered, so she doesn’t have any extra work to do on her special day.

• Think elegance: For something truly memorable, try Cymbidium orchids, which are elegant, colorful and extremely long-lasting.

With a unique and special floral arrangement, you can use this Mother’s Day as an opportunity to show Mom how much you really love her.

— StatePoint Media

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Give the gift of green for Mother’s Day

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Mom may appreciate chocolate or flowers. But for children who want to offer her something a little more special — especially for their eco-conscious moms — there are a number of different gift options to make Mom’s big day as eco-friendly as it is enjoyable.

An eco-friendly gift for Mom is a gift that keeps on giving. When you jot down your gift idea list, think about adding these “green” gifts.

• Make a basket of gardening gear. Garden plants and supplies are perhaps the greenest gifts to give Mom. Plants are so plentiful and varied that there are bound to be ideal flowers or greenery for every mother’s tastes. Compile different gardening essentials, such as seeds or seedlings, organic soil mix, mulch, all-natural compost, and a few different planting containers. You can also include gardening gloves and ergonomic tools made of recycled materials. Finish the gift with the inclusion of a book that describes different garden designs and gives tips for beginners.
• Dine at a local restaurant. Many families take Mom out for a meal on her special day. To make the experience eco-friendly, select among restaurants that are close to home in the area. Explore the possibilities of restaurants that may serve foods made with local, organic ingredients. If you cannot find such a restaurant, do not worry, just choose a local establishment to conserve fuel.
• Pay for a car tune-up. Improving the gas mileage on Mom’s car is one gift that can be environmentally friendly. According to the United States Department of Energy, keeping a car in shape can help save money and improve fuel economy. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve Mom’s gas mileage by as much as 40 percent. Also, be sure to have her car tires properly inflated. She can be losing gas mileage by 0.3 percent for every 1 psi drop in all four tires. Getting an oil change with the recommended grade of motor oil is another gas mileage improvement measure.
• Purchase eco-friendly kitchen items. It may be a major faux pas to give Mom an appliance or a new vacuum for Mother’s Day. However, if your mother is an avid cook or baker, she may appreciate some new mixing bowls or utensils made from recycled materials. If Mom is the consummate entertainer, get her new glass tumblers and sipping straws made from recycled glass. They are perfect for serving cocktails and outdoor entertaining.
• Pamper mom with organic products. What mom doesn’t enjoy a little pampering from time to time? You can treat your mother to a spa experience at home by assembling a basket full of organic shampoo, conditioner, massage oils, bath salts and any other organic spa items you can find.
• Select organic fruits and flowers. Companies like www.organicbouquet.com can assemble a bouquet made from responsibly grown flowers or even a wreath for a wall or door. They also have food gifts, from organic fruits to nuts.
• Spend the day outdoors. Most moms cherish any gift from their children, whether lavish or simple. A nice, eco-friendly gift is to spend time together. Research local parks or hiking trails and plan a day where you both commune with nature. Or even head to the seaside for a relaxing day. Explore the landscape and be on the lookout for birds and washed up treasure from the sea. Plan to finish the day with a homemade, picnic lunch.