When I was little, each first of May we would make May Day baskets.  We'd gather an odd assortment of flowers, place them on the front step of a friend, ring the doorbell, and run with all our might.  

Why should children have all the fun?  Even better, now that we're older, we have more options ... 

**For the gardener, deliver a small pack of annuals or perennials.
**For the non-gardener, deliver cones of fresh flowers (The cones can be very simply to make ... take a large scrapbook page, hold it like a diamond, fold the sides over and tape, glue or staple - Voila! If you wish to hand it from a doorknob, simply add tulle or a silk ribbon).
**For the elderly, a bouquet or something with benefits of aromatherapy--such as lavender or eucalyptus.
**For the gourmet, bake a cake (or cupcakes) and garnish with edible flowers.
**For the loved-one-who-lives-far-away, mail a packet of seeds or a bloomin' card.

And remember, it's against the rules to sign your name. Happy May Day to you will do...

 

Happy Easter Monday - I hope you had a blessed Easter season.  

Now that the hoilday is past, what to do with all those cute cards you received?   How about turn them into decoration? 

For instance ... I found the most adorable vintage postcard.  Much too cute to discard (seriously - chicks in tophats?).  So I grabbed an old, cheap frame that I had lying about ... slid in the postcard (I took out the glass since it was precarious, at best) ... and tied a bright ribbon to the back.  Voila!

Aaah, spring has sprung!  It's time for blue skies and sunshine.  If you're a bride, it may also be time to plan the wedding of your dreams.

I've already begun to amass quite the collection of wedding invitations. They're so beautiful - it seems a pity they'll soon be tossed.

That's what makes Bloomin Invites so fabulous - you don't have to throw them away!  When all is said and done you simply plant the invite - in its place will sprout flowers.

It's the perfect way to celebrate your day - offer thanks for being a part - and give a reason to smile long after "I do"...

Today is Ash Wednesday - the beginning of Lent - the start of 40 days leading into the Easter holy week.  These forty days are intended for spiritual renewal, something that transcends all faiths.  Traditionally it has entailed giving up something you love. Today, however, there is a move toward giving more of yourself. 

Perhaps you can do both - give up something that will free you to give more.  Give up a few hours of overtime, so you can spend more time with your family.  Give up negativity, so you can encourage those around you.  Give up that morning latte, so you can give that money to charity.  Give up endless hours on the computer so you can write letters to those you love  (C'mon, you knew it was coming!).

Yeah, it's a good idea whether or not you're Catholic.  So  what will you give up for Lent?  Better yet, what will you give? 

Some people cringe at the thought of Valentine's Day.  It's too commercial they say; it's little more than a greeting card company holiday.  Perhaps.  But what a pitiful excuse to keep from telling someone you love them.  If you can't stand the thought of doling out your hard earned cash, make your own.  That's right -DIY Valentines cards.  You can never be too old. 

So grab some colored paper ... glue ... vellum ... newspaper ... crate paper ... confetti ... glitter ... foil ... stamps ... stickers ... photos ... quote printouts ... ribbon ... twine ... whatever makes you happy.  And don't forget the resources found here:  How to write a love letter for instance, or our favorite Love quotes. 

Artistic or not-so-much, it will be a Valentine straight from your heart, to the heart of the one you love; and for that, it's bound to be cherished. 

Three weeks from today, my friends ... three weeks from today is Valentine's Day!  If you have children, you're probably well aware - chances are they already have their eyes on the wee cards they wish to hand out to friends. 

But what about the rest of us?  

After all, we love all sorts of people, in all sorts of ways  - Valentine's Day is the perfect day to let them know.  Personally, I lean toward Paul and Julia Child's idea ... Postcards with your picture.  They're fun, creative, personal ... and they put a smile on your face.  What could warm a person's heart more? Yeah, I can't think of anything either ...