Here’s how to fess up and get back into those loving arms once again:

• Admit it to yourself, first. Before you can apologize to that special someone, you need to know what it is you did wrong. Beyond that, however, you need to understand why it was wrong. If you don’t, you’ll wind up with a half-hearted or even back-handed apology. Admit your mistake to yourself before you go any further.
• Be careful with your tone. The trick is to not sound patronizing or desperate when you’re apologizing to that special person. Even if you don’t mean to, it’s easy to come off as being less than sincere.
• Give it some time. Don’t try to admit you’re wrong right after the argument. Chances are pretty good that she’s going to need some time to cool down first. Don’t wait too long, of course, or you’ll wind up creating a different problem.
• Bring a gift. You can send flowers, for sure, but you might also consider bringing them with you. If you’ve really screwed up, bring some chocolates, too.
• Be ready for a fight. Sometimes, even when you know you’re wrong and ready to tell the other person, they’re not always in the mood to hear it. Sometimes, they won’t really accept your apology either. You need to be prepared for the possibility that the apology will turn into a power struggle or even an all-out fight.
• Forgive yourself. Even if the other person doesn’t forgive you, at some point you’ve got to move on.

When someone decides to send flowers to you, you know that it’s going to be only a temporary, if enjoyable, reminder of their thoughts for you. The good news is that, if you follow just a handful of tips, you can dramatically increase how long those flowers last. The next time someone sends you flowers, try some of these tips:

• If you’re the one who is going to send flowers, try to find flowers whose petals are firm and upright, with the buds starting to open. Watch out for drooping leaves, yellowing leaves or leaves with spots.
• Keep them cool until you can get them settled. If someone decides to send flowers to you at work, you can extend their freshness by refrigerating them until it’s time to head home for the day. You want to get them into their vase as soon as possible, of course, but cooling them in the meantime will help.
• Get rid of any leaves that would fall below the waterline. If you have leaves in your water, it will increase the growth of microbes and bacteria that can slow or prevent your flowers from taking in the water.
• Take about one to two inches off the stem. You should re-cut your flower stems by about two inches in order to remove the dead material and give the flowers a better chance at pulling in some water and plant nutrients. If you’re dealing with woody stems or with branches, you’ll want to use pruning shears to cut them.
• Water and feed those flowers. Keep your flower vase filled up with water that uses the flower food provided by the florist. Make sure you follow the instructions for mixing the flower food, because your proportions are essential here.
• Keep your flowers in a cool place. You want to keep it between 65 and 72 degrees, ideally. Keep them out of the direct sunlight, and away from any sources of heating or cooling. Watch out for areas like beneath your ceiling fan, on top of a radiator or on top of a TV. If you can keep those flowers cool, you’ll greatly increase the time you have to enjoy them.

Here are a handful of ways to help you send flowers cheap:

• Order them online. The fact is that your local flower shop has a significant amount of overhead that online flower delivery businesses’ don’t. Add in the fact that local flower shops deal with an inventory that can become static, and you’ll realize that those flowers aren’t always the freshest, either. Online flower delivery services usually get their flowers right from the grower, send them right to your special person, and do it for less money.
• Have them delivered on a weekday. If that special someone must have flowers on a Saturday, bring them in person. Otherwise, have them delivered Monday through Friday when rates are the lowest.
• Pick seasonal bouquets. The seasonal selections of flowers are grown during specific times of the year, and they’re likely to last longer than flowers that are out of season. Add in the fact that florists often have plenty of these on hand, and you’ll find some of the deepest discounts with these.
• Order them early. In some cases, you can schedule flower delivery for Valentine’s Day much more cheaply if you do it in, let’s say, December, than if you wait until February 13^th. The closer you get to the holiday, the more you’re going to pay to send flowers.
• Buy them all at once. One business model that’s becoming more popular it to order a flower delivery subscription. You either pay for the flowers up front or pay a monthly fee, and when those special occasions roll around the company will send flowers to that special someone. This can get you some serious discounts, and it means you’ll never forget a special day.

In some cases, however, you may want to do something other than send flowers in order to pay your final respects. Here are a number of different things you can do if you choose not to send flowers:

• Send a live plant. Flowers die in a week, but a potted plant can be taken home by the family and planted in a garden to be remembered for years to come.
• Make a donation. If the deceased was an advocate for a particular group or charity, you might consider making a donation in their honor. The temptation can be to choose to donate to a cause that’s near and dear to your heart, but try instead to identify an organization that the deceased would appreciate. Many charity organizations have a memorial donation program of some sort.
• Send a video or photographic memorial. If you have pictures or videos of the deceased, you can share them with the family and friends.
• Send gift certificates. You might consider sending a gift certificate to a maid service for a month, for example. Many folks in mourning don’t want to have to deal with some of those in and out details of daily life, and this gives them a little bit of a respite.
• Make some food. Many families will receive lots of food in the beginning, so you might consider waiting until things calm down a bit. Provide an entire meal for the family, or even just an entrée that can be reheated.
• Create a work of art. If you have artistic ability, musical talent or can compose a heartfelt poem, consider giving one of these unique types of gifts to the family to offer them some comfort during their rough time.

Now that we’ve got all of the obligatory gender discussion out of the way, let’s get down to the nitty gritty. There are plenty of reasons why you should send flowers to that special someone. Here are our 10 favorite reasons to send flowers:

1.    It’s a holiday. Everyone sends flowers on Valentine’s Day or Sweetest Day. But, why not do something different and send your honey some flowers for Independence Day or St. Patrick’s Day this year? You can send flowers with specific holiday-themed composition, too, to show that you really put some thought into it.

2.    To remind that special person you care. Saying it is one thing, saying it with flowers is quite another thing.

3.    To apologize. This is not the ideal situation in which to send flowers. Ideally, you won’t have screwed up. If you do, though, flowers are there to help with the process of getting back into her good graces.

4.    It’s actually pretty easy. Today, it’s easier than ever to send flowers. Log onto a website or dial an 800 number and you can have flowers on that special person’s desk by the end of the day.

5.    Flowers are always an acceptable gift. Unless your special person is allergic to flowers, they will be appreciated. Sure, there are exceptions, but it’s always a safer bet than a coffee mug.

6.    Flowers brighten up the place. There’s a selfish reason to send flowers as well. If you send flowers to your spouse, you can enjoy them day in and day out (until they wilt, of course).

7.    Just because. Sometimes, you should do something nice for that special person for no good reason whatsoever. Sending flowers does just that.

1. Which Plants are Unsafe: Learn which plants are unsafe to have around when you have children.
2. Toxic Plant List: Here is a list of the toxic plants that you should avoid if you have children or pets.
3. Household Plants to Avoid: Watch out for these plants in your home. They can be dangerous to your children.
4. Plants to Avoid: Check around your home to make sure these plants are not around. They can be dangerous to your children.
5. Child’s Garden: Helping children have a garden is a great learning experience. Watch out for these and avoid having them outside as they can be dangerous to children.
6. Avoiding Poisonous Plants: Learn which are harmful to pets and to humans and get rid of them. Use the necessary precautions to protect your entire family.
7. Gardening with Children: Tips to teach children how to garden and what plants are safe for them.
8. Prevent Plant Poisoning: Get tips here on how to prevent plant poisoning. Also tips on how to handle it if you come in contact with these.
9. The Child Friendly Backyard: Learn how to make your backyard child friendly. Make sure your plants in your yard are all safe for your children and pets to be around.
10. Poisonous Plants in New Zealand: Take a look at this list of the plants to avoid in New Zealand.
11. Poisonous Plants: Know What to Grow: Learn what you can grow in your yard if you have children and pets. Keep your yards safe.
12. Toxic Plants that Can Harm Children and Pets: Be informed of the plants that can harm your children and pets. Make sure you have gotten rid of these if they are in your yard anywhere.
13. Christmas Plant Safety: Discover a few tips to keep your pets and animals safe during the holidays.
14. Cats and Plants: Keep these different plants away from your cats. These are harmful and can poison your cat.
15. Train Your Cat Not to Eat Plants: Get tips here on how to keep your cats from eating your house plants.
16. Toxic Food and Plants for Pets: Find out which foods and plants can be toxic for dogs. There are some that may just make them a little sick and others that could kill your dog. Be safe and learn what those are.
17. Plants and Foods that Kill Cats: If you have a cat then please read this article. Be aware of the ones that could harm or even kill your cat.
18. Poisonous Plants: Find out which plants are not good to have around your cat or dog. These could seriously harm your animal.
19. Keep Your Cat from Eating Your Plant: Learn how to train your cat to stop eating your house plants. This will help to prevent them from eating a harmful plant.
20. Lilies and More: Most all forms of Lilies are poisonous to cats. Find out which ones plus others that are harmful to your cat.
21. Growing Pet Friendly Plants: Here are a few tips on how to grow pet friendly plants. Keeping plants around your home is possible if you know which ones to grow.
22. Plants and Your Cat: Some cats won’t eat poisonous plants but you should be aware which ones are bad for your animals.
23. Cat Owner’s Handbook: Find out what plants to keep away from your cat and which ones are okay.
24. Plants Poisonous to Dogs: Learn how to keep your dog safe from plants. There are some that could be seriously harmful to your dog.
25. Toxic Garden Plants: These plants are toxic to children. Learn how to identify them and be aware of them in your own yard.
26. Poisonous House Plants: Find out which plants you may have in your house are unsafe for your children and pets. Decide whether they are really worth having if you have children or pets in your home.
27. Plants and Items Poisonous to Children: Discover some items you may not even realize that are dangerous to your children. These things could be in your home and you are not aware of the dangers they pose.
28. List of Plants: Take a look at this list of plants that are dangerous to have around your children. Make sure to get rid of these or place them away from your child’s reach.
29. Holiday Tips: Learn how to be safe during the holiday season. Keep your pets and children safe from those extra plant dangers that could be around.
30. Poison Prevention: Read this article to see which plants you should be cautious around. There are some that you can keep but some that you need to get rid of if you have them.
31. Plants to Be Cautious Around: There are many beautiful plants around but not all are great for children.
32. You May Not Even Know These: Here are some common indoor and outdoor plants that most people are not aware that are poisonous.
33. Garden Information: Find out what plants you need to remove from your property when they are found.
34. Plants to Avoid for Humans and Animals: Make sure to check your property and get rid of any of these plants you may find.
35. Plants to Stay Away From: Learn how to take care of poison oak or poison ivy. Stay away from these and other plants that are dangerous to you.
36. Four Ways Plants Can Get You: Learn the ways plants can get to you like through sap or thorns. Be cautious around plants you are unsure of.
37. House and Garden Plants: Read here to find information on the house and garden plants you need to be cautious of. These are poisonous and can hurt you or your loved ones.
38. Pretty Things can Harm You: Just because it is pretty to look at does not mean it is safe to touch. Learn which plants can be toxic to children and pets.
39. Ten Poisonous Plants: Find ten of the plants that you should avoid if you have children or pets in your home.
40. Non Toxic Plants: These are a few of the household plants you can feel comfortable purchasing if you are a parent or pet owner. These are not toxic to your family.
41. Poison Prevention: Learn how to keep your children safe from poisoning. Keep chemicals and houseplants out of their reach.
42. Are Your Plants Safe?: Get the answer to that question here from fellow parent bloggers. Learn what plants need to go and what to do if exposed to one.
43. Houseplants: Learn where to keep these houseplants if you are going to have them in your home. See which ones need to be kept high out of reach of pets or children.
44. Prevent Poisoning: Learn how to keep your pets safe and prevent them from getting into plants that could harm them.
45. Poisonous Houseplants: Whether we realize it or not, many of our plants we have in our house could actually be toxic.
46. Plants and Dogs: Find out which plants are safe to have around your dogs and which ones you want to get rid of.
47. Deadly Plants: Find out which plants can be deadly to your pets and even you or your children. Also get help on what to do should your child or pet ingest those plants.
48. Plants and You: Learn to treat unknown plants with respect and teach your children to do the same. Understand the dangers of plants you are not familiar with.
49. Teach Your Children: Show your children how to care for plants and how to handle them. Show them that not all plants are safe and how to identify those that aren’t.
50. 8 Popular but Deadly Plants: Find out which 8 popular houseplants are also deadly. Ones we choose to keep in our home we may not realize could actually do a lot of harm.
51. Dealing With Common Misconceptions: There are a lot of misconceptions out there about which plants are poisonous and which are safe. Learn here the truth as one blogger attempts to set the record straight.
52. Poison Prevention: Learn how to prevent poisoning in your children. It can happen faster than you imagine.
53. Is This Plant Edible?: Think before you eat. Learn which plants are edible and which ones can do a lot of harm if ingested.

Image Credits: .LarryPage

1. Winfield Flower Shoppe: Different religions have different rules about sending flowers at a funeral.  Find out about the differences before you make a mistake.
2. The Family Plot: Learn about Buddhist funerals and if flowers are appropriate to send.
3. End Torture: Being sensitive to others when sending flowers to a funeral is a very important thing to keep in mind.
4. Simple Sympathy: Make things easier by learning the things you should know about how to send flowers to a funeral.
5. FSN Funeral Homes: A very informative piece about how to choose the right flowers for a funeral.
6. Chabad: Jewish traditions about funeral flowers may differ from traditional ideas.  Before you send flowers for a Jewish funeral read this.
7. 416-Florist: Find great flowers and flower arrangements through this site.
8. Sky News Wire: Casket flower arrangements are popular, but you have to be sure you are choosing one that is appropriate.
9. Comfort Your Heart: Sending funeral flowers can be tricky.  Make sure you are doing the right thing by reading this article.
10. Michaels Flower Girl: This article offers some simple advice of proper flower etiquette for funerals.
11. Valley of Life: Learn about some simple things you should be considering when sending flowers to a funeral.
12. Your Funeral Guy Blog: An expert gives some insight into funerals, including costs and flower information.
13. Like Merchant Ships: An interesting question and answer session all about how to choose and send the right flowers for a funeral.
14. Funeral Digest: Various articles and blog posts relating all types of funeral topics, including flowers and preparing for your own funeral.
15. Momoy: A nice informative piece about the many things you should consider when selecting a flower arrangement for a funeral.
16. Gifts or Flowers: There are many times when you may question if it is okay to send funeral flowers.  This will help you know if you send them or not.
17. In Lieu of Flowers: A great article explaining why we send flowers at a funeral.
18. USCJ: A guide that addresses all the different funeral customs of the Jewish religion, including funeral flowers.
19. Walker Florist: Answers to common questions about what to do and not do when sending flowers to a funeral.
20. Cremation Solutions: A short and simple guide that offers insight into the different funeral flower customs associated with various religions.
21. Mail Flowers: Addresses common questions about choosing and sending funeral flowers.  Also gives examples of appropriate flower arrangements.
22. Find Flowers: An overview of the many different options in types of arrangements that are appropriate to give at funerals.
23. Funerals-and-Flowers: Sending the right flowers to a funeral will often depend on religion and cultural customs.  This is a great summary of various cultures and religions around the world and their funeral flower etiquette.
24. Selected Funeral Homes: Learn about various religious funeral customs, including information relating to how flowers are used in the service.
25. Ray Hunter Funeral Flowers: From Buddhism to Scientology, learn the etiquette of sending funeral flowers.
26. Beginning With I: An interesting story about an Italian funeral.
27. Mission Parks: A guide to the various things you should know about giving funeral flowers.
28. US-Funerals: Important information that you should consider when you are planning on sending funeral flowers.
29. Grower Direct: An explanation about funeral flowers, including tips and history.
30. Binley Florist: Find out everything you need to know about sending sympathy flowers.
31. The Light Beyond: Customs, etiquette and advice on how to send flowers for different funerals based on religion and culture.
32. Funeral Wise: A look at a Greek Orthodox funeral and the role of flowers.
33. Video Jug: An expert answers questions about sending flowers at a Chinese funeral.
34. Jewish-Mourning-Guide: Information on how flowers are used in a Jewish funeral service.
35. Icepop: Knowing the top flower arrangement choices can help make it easier for you to decide what to send to a funeral.
36. Professional Car: Have you heard of a flower car?  Find out where these cars are used in funerals.
37. Evr Memories: Funeral traditions and the use of flowers can vary across the US. Find out more in this article.
38. The Flower Expert: Expert advice on different funeral flower choices.
39. Completely-Crete: Information about how funerals are handled and what happens at funerals in Crete.
40. Ghost Village: An interesting look at funeral traditions and history.
41. Syrian Gate: A look at how funerals are held in Syria and how flowers are not a Syrian tradition.
42. Obits: Knowing the history of funeral flowers can help you to know what flowers to send.
43. Easy Flowers: The meaning of different flowers can help you to decide what flowers to send for a funeral.
44. Garden Guides: Different funeral arrangements have different meanings. Make sure you are sending the right sympathy flowers.
45. Frontline-Apologetics: Funeral flowers and sympathy flowers are two different things. If you didn’t know that then read this information article.
46. Katie Peckett: A discussion of popular flower choices for funeral flowers.

Image Credits: _rockingfree

Many people wonder what flowers are appropriate to give out at Easter. The simple truth is that there are many great choices to consider. If you want to send flowers, but don’t know what flowers to send, the best tip is to think about what flowers signify springtime to you.

There are many options. A number of people send flowers like jonquils and daffodils, whose yellow hues signify the warming temperatures of Spring. White flowers, such as Easter lilies, are a great choice as well. White is often associated with purity and new life, which come to mind to many people when they think of Easter. So, a nice Easter lilly would be great if you send flowers out.

Yellow, white, and pink roses are also quite popular options. Roses are a good choice if you want to send flowers to someone special, such as a family member. A wildflower arrangement isn’t a bad choice if you want to send flowers but don’t have a lot of money to spend. Flowers of all varieties come into season around Easter, so you can usually get arrangements for a lower cost than at other times during the year.

If you send flowers at Easter, you may want to consider getting living flowers instead of bouquets or arrangements. Many people love to receive plants rooted in a pot of soil when Spring comes around. It is the first time of the year for many flowering plants to grow outside. If you plan to send flowers to anyone who has a green thumb, this is most likely the best option.

Many people really enjoy it when you send them flowers for Easter. Any type of Easter flower is sure to help people emerge from their Winter doldrums and appreciate the coming days of Spring. It is almost never a bad idea to send flowers to someone at Easter, unless of course they are known sufferers of Spring pollen allergies. In that case, rather than send flowers, you might want to send them some anti-histamines such as Benadryl.

If you send flowers for Christmas, you should know that there are several flowers traditionally associated with Christmas. If you send flowers appropriate to the holiday, you can usually save money. All of the traditional Christmas flowers bloom at Winter time, so they’ll always be in season when the holidays come around.

Poinsettias are a very popular choice for those who send flowers as Christmas gifts. You can get poinsettia plants for under $15 at most grocery and department stores. Poinsettias usually are at their peak redness right around Christmas, and the white flowers usually bloom around this time as well. The red, green, and white colors are all colors associated with Christmas. If you don’t want to send Poinsettias, you can send flowers of other varieties that convey the Christmas spirit.

Another popular option, especially in the Southwest, is the Christmas Cactus. People might not think of cacti when they want to send flowers, but Christmas Cactus is quite beautiful. It produces vibrant red, purple, or pink flowers that bare some resemblance to orchids. On top of that, a Christmas Cactus can live for decades if properly maintained. Many folks don’t think of gifts that keep on giving when they want to send flowers, but Christmas Cactus fits this bill.

If you want to send flowers over the Holidays, you can also consider floral arrangements with several different kinds of plants. Holly and ivy are great to include in Christmas arrangements, as well as mistletoe. Mistletoe berries are poisonous, so you might want to avoid it if you send flowers to people with small children. Christmas roses are also delightful to include in Holiday arrangements. Some Christmas flowers will also look wonderful threaded through a traditional Christmas wreath.

Your florist will probably have tips as to which arrangements will be best for spreading holiday cheer. If you plan to send flowers over the holiday, definitely contact your florist in advance. The Holidays are a busy time for all florists, so placing your order early will guarantee that you can send flowers on time.

If you choose to send flowers to apologize, there are a few things to do to maximize the emotional potential for reconciliation. The most important thing to do is send flowers that include a personalized card that contains your apology. If you have the option, try to hand write the apology. Make sure your name is on it as well. If you are going to send flowers to apologize, you want to make sure the recipient realizes it is you who is apologizing. In getting a card, you guarantee that, if you send flowers, your apology appears sincere.

Another thing to consider if you want to ensure sincerity is what flower arrangements work best for what situations. If you want to send flowers to apologize to your lover, you want to get flowers that seem meaningful. If you’re married, what kind of flowers were at your wedding? Send flowers that cost a little extra. Women can often tell how much time and money you’ve spent on getting a floral arrangement depending on the flowers used. If you want to send flowers, you might want to stay away from red roses. Red roses are romantic, yes, but they might come off as tacky to certain people in this situation.

On the other hand, if you want to send flowers to apologize to someone else, like a coworker, or a friend, you’ll want to consider different options. You don’t want to send flowers that seem too gaudy. Oftentimes, a modest arrangement will seem sincere enough for your purposes. If you send flowers to a casual acquaintance, once again do not send roses. Flowers traditionally associated with peace, such as tulips or daffodils, are often good choices.

In any case, if you send flowers, be sure they are of quality. Wilted, nasty flowers will often make people think that you don’t really care, or you’re being insincere. However, fresh and tasteful flowers can be fantastic gifts to send people you’ve offended.