A day in the life of the flower lady...

Upon walking into the shop, I check my mail(both email and postal), faxes, and sales from the previous day. I compare my sales to the day previous year and am sure to note if there was a large funeral piece or wedding in the same week/day for last year.
I then evaluate the current days orders and the following days orders. What needs to be done first due to time, and what can be done later in the day; always ensuring the customer is receiving the freshest and most beautiful work we can accomplish.
Then I check the floor. I check each plant for water by finger testing the soil. If it is dry, depending on the plant, it gets a little or a lot of water. It is extremely important to retain knowledge of the product so as to give the best and freshest product available to the customer. How I take care of my merchandise ultimately transtlates into sales.
After I check all plants, I check the design case. I check each vase and foamed arrangement for water and re-design as needed. Then I check the open air case. I ensure each bouquet is in water and each single stem isn't overcrowded or smashed. In between all of the checking, redesigning, and filling I often wait on customers.
Customer are the biggest emphasis in my shop. It doesn't matter what myself or my clerks are doing. We are to stop whatever we're doing and assist them in the most efficient manner. These duties could include, blowing up balloons, designing on the fly, recommendation for a particular event, explaining Care and Handling requirments for a specific item, or even gardening tips for them at home. It is extremely important to me that my customers feel comfortable in asking questions and that they are aware that we are very familiar with our products and services.
On occasion, I may be required to have a consultation with a bride to discuss her upcoming nuptuals. This is a stressful time for her so I try to create a comforting and detailed meeting with her. We will often sit in the cafe and go into detail her hopes and dreams involving flowers, balloons, decorations, and colors.
This is my typical day. I repeatedly check the floor, merchandise, assist customers, and consider upcoming holidays. There are always a million items on my agenda each day but never knowing what may happen next, design wise, makes the job that more enjoyable.

Writing, Eating, and Movies...a little of everyday life.

1. Sarah Dessen
This blog is intriguing to me because she mixes the adversity of being a published, successful author with being a mom, wife, and normal citizen. She isn't afraid of being self-deprecating. As well as the fact that she doesn't praise or brag about her accomplishments or accolades.

2. Chocolate and Zuccini
I really enjoy this blog because the author's recipes not only ooze with delicious words but her enthusiasm also opens up a healthy, savory and sweet door to new foods. She takes everyday and fresh ingredients and incorporates them into tasteful and healthy alternatives to foods we often crave everyday.

3. JoBlo
This blog is a favorite because not only does it have a plethora of information on upcoming and already released movies, but it also has critique of films not even released yet. While I don't always agree with the reviews, I do often find them intriguing, informative, and humorous. There isn't a focus on who is the most popular celebrity, what fashion is being worn on the red carpet, or if famous couples broke up. It's not superfluous. Just movies.