Nov 19
Do We Still Say It With Flowers?
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on 11 19th, 2010| | No Comments »
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It is amazing what receiving a gift of flowers can do.  It brightens up a day, it fills a heart with warmth, and it makes the receiver feel as if they are genuinely cared about.  Despite their fragile nature and their brief stay in a vase upon our desks or tables, flowers are often the most cherished and touching of gifts we receive. Yet, when was the last time you sent or received flowers? Is it something we still do or has giving flowers become a thing of the past?

Why Do We Send Flowers?

Sending flowers is more than just a great way to express feelings of love or mark a special occasion; it is a tradition that is rooted deep in our history.  The first evidence of the important role flowers have played in our lives comes from the skeletal remains of people who lived thousands of years ago; they show that even back then, flowers were used as part of the burial ritual.  Of course that tradition is carried on today, with flowers lending their natural beauty and fragrance to our rituals of mourning, often providing us with an intense yet non-verbal way to say goodbye to a loved one.

Since Victorian days, flowers have been used to express specific and deep emotion – with certain flowers representing specific meanings and ideas.  For instance, the red rose is a world-wide symbol for romantic love while Bells of Ireland are said to represent good luck.  The white poppy is often sent as part of a consolation bouquet, while an arrangement of Lily of the Valley symbolises the sender’s hope that the receiver will find happiness again soon.  Whether exotic or home-grown, bouquet or arrangement, long-stemmed or short, there is something about the gift of flowers that speaks to our hearts like no other gift.

Are We Saying it With Flowers?

In 2009, the cut flower market took a worldwide nosedive as people were hard hit by the recession.  During that time, the demand for flowers slipped by 25 per cent in both European and US markets. This year, while some areas within the flower industry are still feeling the hit, others are starting to bloom.  Turkey for instance anticipates $60 million in cut flower exports this year, representing an increase in international sales.  So yes, at least some of us are still saying it with flowers.

Buying and Sending Flowers Online

Today, sending flowers is easy, with loads of florists offering their services online and delivery available to almost any part of the world.  Because buying and sending flowers online is so simple, there is no reason why this wonderful tradition should wain.  And fortunately for us, here in the UK the flower industry still seems to be thriving.

Interflora Discount Codes

As the world’s largest flower delivery network online, Interflora offers a simple way to send flowers for all occasions.  Look for Interflora discount codes online through various voucher code sites or sign up to get Interflora discount codes delivered directly to your email box.

Nov 15
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Christmas is fast approaching, and this year’s ‘must have’ toys are in the stores and being bought as rapidly as they appear in some cases.
For boys and girls, just like their parents, having the popular up to the minute toy is great, but as parents trying to keep the cost down, the must have toys often come with some hefty price tags.
Here is a round up of some of this year’s must have items, and where you can get them at a reasonable price:

City Airport Lego – RRP £84.99
That old Classic Lego is almost always on the list in one form or another, and this year is no exception.  Toys R Us offer the best price for this item on the high street at £69.97 while Amazon are the best online retail price at £74.92

FurReal GoGo Walking Pup by Hasbro – RRP £59.99
On the highstreet it’s Argos who have everyone else beat at £49.99, and online Play.com are offering this at the same price.

Monopoly Revolution – RRP £29.99
A classic game with a modern twist, this electronic version with a round board plays song clips through the game.  Toys R Us are offering this at a slightly more reasonable £24.97, and Play.com have everyone beat with £22.47.

Nerf n Strike Stampede ECS-50 – RRP £54.99
a dart shooter and blast shield, this interesting toy can be found in Toys R Us at £39.99 or in Play.com for £43.99 (worth noting here that Toys R Us charge £4.95 for postage if you buy from them online, whereas Play.com offer free delivery).

Paper Jamz Guitar Wow Wee Europe – RRP £24.99
Offering instant rock star experience for kids, this guitar has built in speakers, and comes with three songs.  Play.com have it for a smidge under the RRP at £23.94, or if Smyths are offering it at £19.99 if you have one on your high street.

Toy Story 3 Jet Pack Buzz Light Year – RRP £39.99
With the film being a blockbuster hit this year, it’s no surprise to see this character appearing on the shelves once more.  The best high street and online price at the moment is offered by Toys R Us, Argos, and Smyths at £29.99

Zhu Zhu Pets Grooming Salon – RRP £22.99
Last year it was the Zhu Zhu hamster, this year it’s t the pet salon, and they seem to be selling out fast.  Toys R Us seem to be one of the few places with it in stock at the moment and it’s priced at £14.99.

Vtech Kidizoom VideoCam – RRP £59.99
Available in pink and blue, this is of the same sturdy design as the camera they produced which was on last year’s must have for many people.  However, the steep price is likely to put it out of the reach of many.  Best prices online are £44.95 from Amazon, and on the high street John Lewis have it at the same price.