New Website Launched

For those of you desperately looking for something new to add to your google reader, here's a little idea! The new Campus Floral website went LIVE yesterday. It's a great little spot!

Opening Up

After working in one place for fifteen years, it becomes a part of you and sometimes it feels like it is so closely connected to who you are that if either ceased to exist, the other would quickly follow. Our--and I say OUR because it belongs to each of the sweeties who make it work every day--new store has been open for just over two months. It's bright and beautiful. It's small and simple. It's definitely still a work in progress and probably always will be. We have worked hard to bring the happiness it has always encouraged and connect it to something new and modern.

I told some of the girls that our open house was kind of our coming out party. I feel like we came out with the same joy with which we approach our jobs everyday. A heartfelt thank you to all those who joined us in celebrating. Thank you to those from afar who sent kind wishes and good juju. Thank you to new friends who came because they cared. Thank you to old friends who brought smiles and jam (Kerri!). Thank you to those who made it happen and cared enough.

We are Campus Floral and we are officially ready to brighten you.

For more photos of our open house, please visit the Campus Floral blog. You'll like it!
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Under the Stars

The end of a long day. It's beautiful, isn't it?

Open House TOMORROW 11am-2pm! Come visit. It's small and simple, but lovely.

Open House

I wanted to be sure to invite all of my blogging friends to the Campus Floral open house this Wednesday, November 9th from 11am-2pm. Visit the Campus Floral blog for a map and further details. We will have things to tempt your taste buds and floral eye candy to spark your imagination. Here's the kicker--Mindy Gledhill is going to be stopping by to sing a few songs for us. Yep, you heard me right. First of all, you know how much we love her CD, Anchor and now she has a new album out for Christmas--Christmas Moon. I've been listening to it since it came out and LOVE it. Really, it's Christmas magic. So, stop by and say hello. Just tell them "Michelle" sent you!

A Dreamy Job

Just a few shots from this evening's banquet.

I've said it before and I'll say it again--I have the best job in the world. It's made exceptionally wonderful because I work with talented, funny, and genuinely good people. This week is a busy one and I've been trying to savor it, as things and places in our CCF lives are going to change soon. There are lots of amazing things about what we do, but here are a few that I am particularly fond of--

I love that we smell good.
I love that we play the same CD 8 times a day and I it doesn't matter much.
I love that Holly refuses to drink water and Tasha has a pastry problem.
I love that the things we make are beautiful AND they make people smile.
I love that we can read eachother's minds.
Michelle loves it when we talk in the 3rd person.
I love that there's never a pen to be found at the computer desk phone. . . NEVER. EVER.
I love my dirty green apron.
I loves Stephen's transportation drawings.
I love that I know who to call when we need something and they willingly come running.
I love that our customers are our dear friends.
I love the daily routine and the daily mayhem--somehow they work together to create daily magic.
I love the brilliant combinations of color.
I love that the seasons change within our walls without even a glance outside.
I love the smell of paint fumes mixed with fresh foliage.
I love the sound of the phone ringing and the laughter that is ever present.
I love that there is place on the planet where I feel capable, respected, creative and comfortable.
I love knowing that there are wonderful things ahead.

The View

The view from my office. . .

Survived!

My new year has officially begun. Everything "heart" has been removed from the store and we're in the post-Valentine's Day peace. I'm back to blogging. . .so you better watch out!!!

Cupid's BIG Day

I've been spending a good portion of my days getting ready for Cupid's "BIG ONE". Does it seem ironic that Cupid's name rhymes with what I think Valentine's day is???

Just double click on the image above to read about the Campus Craft & Floral specials for the blessed celebration. Don't forget the it falls on a Sunday this year--so think ahead. Otherwise, you might need to do some extra Sabbath Day praying.

Crazy for Headbands

Somewhere between Thanksgiving and now, these little headbands have become the topic of many conversations. Visit Campus Craft & Floral to purchase one for yourself. They're a hot item, so don't wait!

Oh, and you might want to check out the Campus Craft blog a bit more often. Marisa is taking over the reigns and is mixing things up a bit. I think you'll really like it.

Today on Studio 5

Communing in Downtown Provo

Yesterday morning, I met my Studio 5 friends on the corner of University Avenue and 1st North for a quick "come visit Campus Craft" piece about some new items we have in the store. It was fun. First of all, we filmed in front of the new (and highly acclaimed) Communal Restaurant in downtown. I'm dying to dine there, but am saving it for the next Utah County Kenley visit. Secondly, Courtney of cjane fame was there to encourage the development and support of downtown Provo. I love that she cares about the city and helps support local businesses. I've always enjoyed her blog, but she is equally DARLING in person. I was too shy to tell her that her praise of Rooster caused yours truly a 5-10 pound weight gain over the Summer (with no regrets, I might add).

If you get a minute and would like to join us, tonight (TUESDAY) from 5-9pm is our Christmas Preview Night--with lots of sale items and EVERYTHing (yes, every single thing) an additional 20% off. It only happens once a year--so come pay us a visit. If you're worried, the crowds usually die WAY down after 7 and there is still PLENTY of selection. The BYU Bookstore also offers the 20% off and LOTS of great sale items.

Check out the Farmer Models

Please note the GIANT Provo School District bus that nearly stills my show.

Introducing. . . .

It was inevitable--Campus Craft & Floral now has its own blog. Join us for bits of everyday goodness straight from your friends at the flower shop. We will feature current projects, phrases of the day, floral design tips, special coupons, new merchandise, upcoming sales, and daily bit of fresh inspiration. We'd love to have you join us! Add us to your sidebar and we'll share our little corner of the world with you.

Ta Da

This is what it looks like. . . .

to turn 32.

Some people do taxes for a living. Some people make sick people well. Some people flip burgers. Some people give massages. Some people recruit.

This little someone helps orchestrate fun.

Happy New Year

Today is my New Year's Day. In our shop, the combination of inventory and Valentine's Day add up to a bit of stress and A LOT of preparation. As a result, this year I decided that I wouldn't officially celebrate or begin 2009 until today. Truthfully, today feels like a clean and lovely slate. Though my body aches a bit and my hands are cut and swollen, everything has gone quite smoothly. Most (okay--ALL) of my success can be attributed to my staff. They work tirelessly and without complaint. People (customers and colleagues) are constantly reminding me that they are "the best." They are THE BEST and today I'm humbled to start my New Year with such kind and hardworking women by my side. To all my friends (and you really are my friends--at least I hope we're still friends) at CCF--THANK YOU for putting in long hours preparing, smiling, designing, and putting up with yours truly. Thank you for doing all of these things with kindness and willing hands. Thank you for doing it despite heavy school loads, sleepless nights, and sacrificing time with YOUR Valentines. Thank you for making my job easier and my life sparklier!

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all.

The Good News

I know that when my own mother comments on my blog absence that it's time to get back on the horse. I also know that I have a tendency to let winter paralyze my spirit. I think the snow, frigid temperatures, and darkness stifle my creativity and take some of my sparkle. I've been determined not to let it get to me--but alas, with each flake that falls, I can feel myself slipping into the depths of slick roads, treacherous conditions, and BAD hair days. Here's the good news (and there is still lots of it to be found)--

1. I find refuge at work. As soon as I walk through the doors, my spirit calms. It's the weirdest thing. Don't get me wrong, there are lots of things to be done and upcoming stresses, but I'm at peace in our little flower shop. It's times like these when I'm grateful not to have windows in the store. Sometimes I just pretend it's spring outside--enjoying the flowers that seem to arrive at our doors despite the storms around them. I want to be more like those flowers--

2. Yesterday my mile and a half commute was a 40 minute adventure. The worst part of the drive is the approach into our parking lot and maneuvering into my parking spot. Last night I made it--tonight not so lucky. I had to park my car elsewhere and hike home. The good news you wonder--I have a home to hike to.

3. One of my favorite Christmas gifts was a pillow--but not just any pillow. It's a replica of the pillow found in the Marriott Hotels and the Virtue Hotel. Oh, the joys of nice linens.

4. Our neighbor Ed is a dear. Despite the fact that he often wakes me in the morning by yelling at his dog outside my window--the man hasn't stopped shoveling snow for the past 2 days. He warms up his wife's car every morning and makes me wish I had a husband--though I'd prefer a non-smoker who weighed more than me. . . I'm picky--I KNOW!

5. Apple cider. Enough said.

Another CCF Happy Couple

Paul & Emily are getting married today! Exciting, don't you think?

In Loving Memory

This post is dedicated to BK4--a faithful and resilient four-wheeled friend who saw the CCF through many football seasons, spills, drifts, drivers, and collisions. . .may she (and it must be a SHE because only a SHE could endure us) rest in peace.

Vanessa and Allyson mourn our loss. They have spent many hours in the company of BK4.
They are excited to drive a vehicle whose seatbelt clicks on the first try and to be rid of the seemingly funeral home-like smell haunting the Safari.