Hit the Buffet!

The View

The view from my office. . .

And there you go . . .

Today's Show

For your viewing pleasure! Also, keep an eye out on Monday morning at 11 as Studio 5 features Utah County hot spots--you might be excited to see some fun items from Campus Craft & Floral featured. Stay tuned.

Elegant Thanksgiving

Join me tomorrow at 11 on KSL's Studio 5 for a few hints and tips on how to present an elegant Thanksgiving Table. You won't want to miss it!

Today on Studio 5

Turning ordinary household items into extraordinary party or decorating accent pieces can be simple, affordable, and space saving. It just takes a little bit of creativity, a splash of color, and a house full of potential. Glass pitchers in all shapes, sizes, and colors are one of our favorite ways to use a common kitchen item in an uncommon way.

1. Look in your cupboards! Chances are that you already have a wonderful vessel for a floral design. You're searching for anything watertight and visually interesting that compliments your room or party theme. Pitchers often meet all of these qualifications. If you don't have many items in your home that fall into this category, start scouring thrift stores, garage sales, or discount retailers. You can purchase a pitcher for as little as $2.00 or borrow one from a friend. Almost any shape, size, or color will work as a container for a fresh floral design.

2. Look in your back yard! You're searching for anything with vivid color, interesting line, or fragrance. Seasonal branches, blossoms, and foliage should be enjoyed inside as well as out. Pitchers are perfect with compact nosegay arrangements, free flowing wildflowers, or blooming branches. If your yard leaves you feeling less than inspired or you are looking for something specific, your local florist will be able to help. Take you pitcher into their shop and as for cut flower recommendations.

3. Design with confidence.

• Decide on a shape and style for your arrangement.
• If you have trouble visualizing your final piece, select a photo from a magazine or website to act as a guide.
• Be sure that the proportions on your arrangement are visually pleasing. A very general rule of thumb is 2:1.
• Designing in and with your hands give you more control.
• Give the flowers a fresh cut before putting them into your container.

4. Enjoy your final product. Don't fuss. If you're a beginner, realize that floral designing is just like anything else, it takes practice. Try to find pleasure in the process of learning this nature-inspired craft. If you're a seasoned designer, try something new! Design out of your comfort zone.

For a great selection of fresh flowers and home décor, visit BYU Campus Craft & Floral:

Campus Craft & Floral
1021 WSC
Provo, UT 84602
(801) 422-2840
www.campuscraftfloral.com
www.campuscraftfloral.blogspot.com

Ta Da

Handbag Heaven

Join me today at 11 on KSL's Studio 5 for some bouquets with "PURSE"onality.

The Days of Dixie

There's just something about a red Dixie cup full of flowers picked by cute nephews that makes me smile. I'm certain their brightness is getting me through the dread. Afterall, some of my favorite people are moving across the country and I'm going to miss their little faces so much my heart hurts to think about it. My Dixie cup days are about to come to an end. I love being an auntie--even more than I thought I would. Doing it from a distance seems kind of sad and lonely.

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.

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.

Setting the Semi-Perfect Thanksgiving Tables

Here's the clip from Friday's Studio 5 appearance. Please note that at some point in the segment, I cut myself & I spent the rest of the time trying not bleed all over my Perfect Thanksgiving Table!

Style

Sometimes at work I get to create things like this. It makes me feel like an artist--even though I totally stunk in the one art class I took at BYU (basic drawing). It makes me feel whole. It makes me smile.

FYI

Florists love receiving flowers as much, if not more, than the average person--at least this little florist does!

Having a Ball

Some days I go to work and make things like this.
Photo compliments of Lori Jenkins Photography.

Missing Jerilyn

Remember how my friend, Jerilyn, got married last month? Well, she wrote a sweet message on my Facebook wall (yes, I begrudgingly have a Facebook Account) & it made me miss her. It also reminded me how beautiful her bridal bouquet was. Miss your sleepy-eyed little face in the mornings, friend. Come visit sometime when you and Spencie finally get bored with one another!

KeyLime

Fruit photoshoot today in preparation for next week's Studio 5 shin dig. Loving keylimes. . .brilliant, just brilliant!

Cheery Cherries

Studio 5 appearance scheduled for June 4th--Fruit & Flowers, the Perfect Pair. If anyone has any fun ideas about incorporating fruit into floral displays, let me know!

Cats BEWARE

Today I answer the phone at work. The young woman on the other end of the line proceeds to tell me that her brother gave her mom a lily yesterday for Mother's Day. She does not believe he purchased it from our store. That's good news in this case. Apparently, lilies are poisonous to cats & her frisky feline nearly died yesterday because of her careless brother & his deadly blossom. She was simply calling to suggest that we might want to post a sign in our store warning patrons that felines can die if they ingest lilies. I thought I might post a sign suggesting it!

Warning: there are a bunch of crazy people in the world. . .avoid them at all costs!

Bridal Bouquet

Tasha made this bridal bouquet today. It's beautiful. . .hydrangea, delphinium and roses. Loved it.