"You make people happy!"

A few years ago I delivered a flower arrangement to a gentleman. He had ordered them for his wife and had me deliver them to his office so he could surprise her with them. Just as I was walking out the door to leave he said, "You have the best job because you make people happy!"

He's right! I do have the best job because it not only makes other people happy, but it makes me happy!

I have written several times on the difference a flower can make on an individuals well-being because I have experienced that wonderful feeling on days when I was having a struggle.

Last week I was sitting in a doctors waiting room thumbing through a magazine. An article about this very topic was not only in the magazine, but they were quoting a study done at Harvard University which proved that having something as simple as a flower or two around you, especially first thing in the morning, really does improve your mood and spirit. It's certainly cheaper than anti-depressants and definitely better than eating a lot of chocolate!

Lead researcher Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D. at Harvard University states: "Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers into their morning routines, people perked up."

RWD offers weekly contracts so that you can have fresh flowers in your home or office on a schedule you choose. We would love to make you happy too!
828-455-3774
www.RachaelWestDesigns.com

Think Spring!

I have been watching for several weeks not the tips of my flower bulbs peeking up through the mulch as if they were peering out to see if it's time. Not yet...but it's so very close!!

There is just something almost magical about spring. It's so wonderful to have this new awakening to not only nature but to our own spirits within..... and then, to add all those wonderful colors.....greens, yellows, purples, pinks! I just LOVE it!

If you are stuck indoors, don't forget that spring is really easy to bring indoors! There are so many bushes and trees that are starting to bloom. Bring in a few branches and watch them open up with joyful color.

Don't forget the flower bulbs either! How absolutely gorgeous is a simple tulip in a vase on your desk? Or a handful of daffodils on your counter? Ohh, and if you want a wonderful spring smell....don't forget the hyacinths. Just one or two stems will make a room smell.....well, all "springy!!"

Don't forget!
We can custom design the PERFECT spring arrangement for your home or office!
They make wonderful gifts and will uplift someone's spirits!
828-455-3774
www.RachaelWestDesigns.com

Flowers for Men

This past week I heard a story in the media that stated men do not like to get flowers for Valentines Day or for any other occasion. It shocked me because in the floral industry we are seeing a steady climb in the number of men who like to receive flowers....the trick as we have mentioned before is that it has to be done in a way that it is not fluffy and smelly.

The California Cut Flowers Association has a great article with some great ideas for flowers for men. And remember, a good florist will know how to incorporate natural elements, plants, grasses, moss, and even create arrangements in fun containers......ever thought of using a sports ball for a vase, a golf bag, adding golf tees to an arrangement, soda cans?

We suggest you give it a try....give us a call. Together we can design the perfect arrangement for your the favorite man in your life.

Rachael West Designs
828.455.3774

Testimonial

Rachel,

I'm soooo very happy about the invoice!!! I can't believe how beautiful it will all be at such an amazing price! Thank you so much! I'll send you a check for the total price this week. I've also found some examples of the colors in a magazine. Let me know when you're available to meet and show you. I can't wait to see it all come together.

Thanks again,
T.C
Hickory
February 08

Proper Centerpiece Height

This week I have been working on designing with a bride the perfect centerpiece for her wedding.

The arrangement she dreamed up is over-budget so we have been trying to re-design it to fit with-in her budget. Normally, that does not pose any trouble, but for some reason, this time it has been very complicated to find the right vase at the right price that also matches all the other needed components of the design.

We finally created a smaller version that fit all the parameters we had hoped, but then were presented with a new problem......now smaller, it would block the view of the seated dinner guests making dinner conversation very difficult.

SO, what is a good height for a tall table centerpiece?

Well, it's a great question, because even I, who have researched it out numerous times, found many different answers.

One tip I have used....and it's not scientifically proven, documented, or anything else---it's just easy for me to do, is this:

Sit up to the table. Place you elbows on the table, bring them together, as well as clasp your hands together. Rest your chin on the knuckles of your hands while sitting up nice and tall.

For a high arrangement, you do not want to go under your eye level. This usually tends to be a minimum of 18 inches and averages out around 22.

Again, this is just to give a general guideline and hopefully will help eliminate some of those awkward moments at a table.

Your flowers should be the accent of the table, not the biggest distraction.

We LOVE questions! Please feel free to send in yours and we will get them answered for you.
Rachael West Designs
828.455.3774
www.RachaelWestDesgins.com

Breathe Easy!

Have you ever wondered what it is that we are actually breathing each day?

It's no wonder that with all of the pollutants and chemicals in our world that we have so many individuals with unexplainable and confusing health problems.

A team of scientist along with NASA put together a list of household plants that not only look great in your home decor, but actually help make the air you breathe safer.

Benzene	Inks, oils, paints, plastics, rubber, dyes, detergents, gasoline, pharmaceutical, tobacco smoke, synthetic fibers	English Ivy, Dracaena marginata, Janet Craig, Warneckei, Chrysanthemum, Gerbera Daisy, Peace lily
Formaldehyde	Foam insulation, plywood, pressed-wood products, grocery bags, waxed paper, fire retardants, adhesive binders in floor coverings, cigarette smoke, natural gas	Azalea, Philodendron, Spider plant, Golden Pothos, Bamboo palm, Corn plant, Chrysanthemum, Mother-in-law's tongue
Trichloroethylene	Primarily used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning industries; also in printing inks, paints, lacquers, varnishes, adhesives	Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum, Peace lily, Warneckei, Dracaena marginata

(NASA researchers recommend using at least 1 potted plant per 100 square feet of home or office space to achieve better air quality).

Let us help you breathe a little easier!

We incorporate plants in many of our floral designs.

www.RachaelWestDesigns.com

828-455-3774

What should I bring to my wedding consultation?

If you are one of those brides who has had her wedding day planned since she was about 9 years old, please bring all of your photos, drawings, magazines, sketches, and any color swatches you may have that would help us envision your dream wedding perfectly.

However, many brides come to us for their wedding consultation not having a clue in the world what they would like for their wedding day. Not a problem!

In this situation, we will start with what you don't like. Most people, may not know exactly what they do like, but they definitely know what they don't like and that too helps us narrow things down a little bit. We also have plenty of photos, magazines, and ideas on hand to help out!

If you have specific questions or would like to book a wedding consultation, please call 828.455.3774 or fill out our contact us form located on our website.

Client testimonial

Thanks Rachael!
The flowers look beautiful and my sister loved them!

Thanks for sending the pictures.
~AnnM. Pennsylvania
January 08

Client testimonial

Dear Rachael,
Thank You So Much for the Beautiful Flowers! My husband's aunt has already told him there was a plant in there she can plant! They were just Beautiful! You are officially my Hickory,N.C. florist! You have been SO Sweet & did such beautiful & timely work!
Thank you so much! I Love Flowers & decorating! I'm trying to get some things changed around in my house. I might have to email you some pictures! I have a feeling we might have both made a new friend! Take Care. God Bless You!
Much Love, Joy
Alabama
January 08