Fun Fact on St. Patrick's Day - March 17, 2012

Some fun information about St. Patrick's Day:

• St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, celebrating the patron saint of the country, St. Patrick.
• St. Patrick’s Day is held on March 17 each year, which is the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick
• St. Patrick was actually born in Britain not Ireland
• SLAINTE (pronounced SLAN-cha)! – Is an Irish toast to your health
• The traditional emblem of St. Patrick’s Day is a green shamrock. St. Patrick was known for using the 3-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Christian Holy Trinity
• The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762 when Irish soldiers serving in the English colonial army marched through New York City. Since then the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has become the world’s oldest and largest.
• Dublin will celebrate St. Patrick’s day with the annual St. Patrick’s Festival, which run between March 16 - 19, 2012. In recognition of Dublin’s status as The City of Science, the Festival parade and ever-popular city Treasure Hunt is this year inspired by science. Dublin will come alive with pageantry, carnivals and lots  of free entertainment.
• A leprechaun is an Irish fairy who looks like a small, old man about 2 feet tall, like the one is the picture.  The name leprechaun  means "little body."
• Every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago holds a St. Patrick’s Day parade and also dyes the Chicago River Green.
• Ireland is about 300 miles (480 kilometers) long and 200 miles (320 kilometers) wide.  For more information on Ireland visit Earthy Family
• To order St. Patrick's Day Flowers click here

Recipe for Traditional  Irish Stew

2 – 3 pounds of boneless lamb, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ½ tsp fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp dried or fresh thyme
6 cups chicken or lamb stock
2 – 3 pounds potatoes, peeled & quartered
1 - 2 large onions, chopped
2 cups of chopped carrots
6 stalks of celery, chopped
6 Tbsp of flour
¼ cup vegetable oil
salt & pepper

Heat the oil in a dutch oven. Add the lamb, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper. When meat in nicely browned add the potatoes, onions, carrots, celery and the broth. Simmer covered for 2 hours.


In a small bowl whisk together flour and some of the broth from the stew until smooth. Stir into the simmering stew until the stew has thickened, then continue simmering for an additional 4 – 5 mins.


An Old Irish Blessing....

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

An Irish Prayer....

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.

May your day be touched

by a bit of Irish luck,

brightened by a song in your heart,

and warmed by the smiles

of the people you love.

Order St. Patrick's Day Flowers

Mardi Gras 2012 - Fun facts

Mardi Gras 2012 -Feb. 21

Mardi Gras means "Fat Tuesday" in French

This year Mardi Gras is Feb. 21, 2012

Carnival celebrations start on the Feast of Epiphany (Jan. 8) and the celebrations increase until Mardi Gras and stop at midnight just before Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday falls 46 days before Easter

Mardi Gras is also known as Shrove Tuesday

Mardi Gras is celebrated with carnivals that usually consist of costumes and elaborate masks, parades, dancing and partying in the streets and elaborate balls and parties where the Mardi Gras King, Queen and other Royalty are announced for the year

In New Orleans, King cakes, are a popular item at Mardi Gras parties and are decorated in purple, green and gold—representing justice, faith and power. The King Cake is baked with a small plastic baby hidden inside, the person who gets the piece of cake with the baby has to host the next party where the King, Queen and other Royalty are announced for the year.

In February, the ancient Romans celebrated a festival much like Mardi Gras, called Lupercalia, honoring the Roman deity, Lupercus

When Christianity arrived in Rome, the early Church decided to incorporate certain aspects of the Lupercalia festival rituals into the new beliefs. The Christian Carnival became a time of abandonment and merriment before Lent the preparation of Christians before Easter (including fasting, prayer, meditation and self-denial to reflect on Christ and his sacrifice)

Some of the more famous Mardi Gras festivals are held in New Orleans (USA), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), Nice (France), Cologne (Germany) and Venice (Italy)

Please feel free to add any additional interesting facts about Mardi Gras.

Everything Pumpkin

Pumpkin Pie Recipe - Roasted Spicy Pumpkin Seeds - Nutritional Information on Pumpkin Seeds

Thanksgiving week-end is coming up (Oct. 11 in Canada) With Thanksgiving week-end comes images of wonderful walks in the bright fall colored trees, crunching the already fallen leaves, turkey and of course Pumpkin Pie.  Enjoy our long time favourite pumpkin pie recipe and roasted spicy pumpkin seed recipe and learn just how good those wonderful little pumpkin seeds are for you.

Best Ever Pumpkin Pie
 
Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups fresh pureed pumpkin (made from a fresh pumpkin)
• 2 eggs
• 1 2/3 cups (370 mls) Canned Pacific Evaporated Milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp. ground Ginger
• 1 tsp. ground Cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp. Nutmeg
• ½ tsp. Mace
• 1/8 tsp. Salt

Method:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Mix eggs together. Add eggs to Pureed Pumpkin,  mix together. Add the milk and spices. Mix well, pour into unbaked pie crust and bake for 15 minutes at 450 degrees, then continue to bake pie for 35 minutes more till done at 350 degrees.

Of course it must be topped with fresh whipped cream.
Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!


Spicy Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

When cleaning out your pumpkins at Thanksgiving or for Halloween be sure to keep your pumpkin seeds to roast for a delicious and very nutritious snack
Preheat oven to 190°C /375°F

Clean Pumpkin Seeds

• Wash pumpkin seeds by rinsing well and removing any fibrous pulp.
• Place in a colander and shake well to remove the water.
• Place seeds on paper towels and pat dry or they are best if allowed to air dry

Ingredients

• 1 cup (250 mL) pumpkin seeds
• 2 tsp (10 mL) tamari or soy sauce
• 1 tsp (5 mL) fresh lemon juice
• 3/4 tsp (4 mL) chili powder
• 3/4 tsp (4 mL) hot pepper sauce
• 1/4 tsp (1 mL) sea salt
• ¼ tsp garlic salt

Method

Toss pumpkin seeds with tamari or soy sauce, lemon juice, chili powder, hot pepper sauce, salt and garlic salt. Spread on baking sheet; roast in 250°F (120°C) oven for 1 hour or until golden brown.

Nutritional Information for Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds also called pepitas, have many health benefits and are a very good source of a variety of nutrients. These include minerals, protein and healthy fats.

A couple handfuls of the seeds provide more than ½ of your daily dose of manganese, nearly ½ of your daily dose of magnesium, and more than a ¼ of your daily value of iron. They provide significant amounts of dietary copper and zinc and are a good source of protein. The pumpkin seeds also provide a significant amount of good polyunsaturated fat and are rich in Omega 3 and Omega 6 fats which are believed to promote heart health and good cholesterol. They also contain nutrients called phytosterols, plant-based fatty acids that are chemically so much like cholesterol that they can replace it in the human body, helping to reduce blood cholesterol levels and are believed to decrease the risk of some kinds of cancers. One gram of pumpkin seed contains as much tryptophan, an essential amino acid, as a full glass of milk.

Happy Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving Flowers and Thanksgiving Centerpieces

Fall Flowers

Thanksgiving Cornucopia with Fresh Flowers

Thanksgiving Centerpieces with Fresh Flowers

Birthday Flowers

Birth Month Flowers

A birth flower is a flower symbol for the month of someone's birth. There is a birth flower, in some months there are two flowers that represent every month in which a person was born. They are also called birth month flower.

It is believed that birthday celebrations and birth month flowers originated in the Roman Empire.  The birthday celebrations included honoring the Roman Gods and decorating their altars with flowers. During Roman birthday celebrations family and friends gave the birthday person their best wishes and brought them gifts. The gifts included flowers, this began the first tradition and origin of Birth Month Flowers

Birth Months, the flowers that go with each month and the birthstone for each month

January: Flower - Carnation, Birthstone - Garnet
February: Flower - Violet, Birthstone -  Amethyst
March: Flower - Daffodil,  Birthstones - Aquamarine, Bloodstone
April: Flowers - Sweet Pea, Daisy Birthstone - Diamond
May:  Flower - Lily-of-the-Valley,  Birthstone - Emerald
June: Flower - Rose, Birthstone -  Pearl
July: Flower - Larkspur, Water Lily Birthstone - Ruby
August: Flower - Gladiolus, Birthstone -  Peridot, Sardonyx
September: Flower - Aster,  Birthstone - Sapphire
October: Flowers - Calendula, Cosmos, Birthstone - Opal
November: Flower - Chrysanthemum, Birthstone -  Topaz
December: Flower - Narcissus, Birthstone - Turquoise

For Birthday Flowers please visit Flowers Canada Online
 
Birthday Flower Delivery throughout the USA and Canada
 
Birthday Balloon Bouquets

Canada Day Quiz - Fun Facts about Canada

Canada Day Quiz -
Interesting Facts about Canada


July 1. 2010 - Canada Day - Happy Birthday Canada


1. In what Year did Canada Celebrate our 100th?

2. Colour television was introduced to Canada on Canada Day, in what year?

3. In what year did “O Canada” become our national anthem?

4. What is the International Calling Code for Canada?

5. What is the population of Canada?

6. What are Canada’s 2 National Sports (Winter & Summer)?

7. What is Canada’s National Icon?

8. What is Canada’s Motto?

9. How many times zones does Canada have?

10. Name the 3 oceans that border Canada.


11. What is the longest river in Canada?


12. What is the tallest peak in Canada?

13. Who is the Governor General of Canada?
14. What is Canada’s deepest Lake?

15. Name the provincial / Territory flower for each of our 10 provinces and 3 territories


Answers to quiz


1. Canada celebrated it's Centennial in 1967

2. Colour television was introduced to Canada on Canada Day in 1967

3. “O Canada” became Canada's national anthem in 1980

4. The international calling code for Canada is 1

5. The population of Canada is currently 34 million
6. Hockey is Canada's national winter sport and Lacrosse is Canada's national summer sport

7. The Beaver is Canada’s national icon

8. Canada’s national motto is From Sea to Sea

9. Canada has 6 times zones, they are: Newfoundland Time Zone, Atlantic Time Zone, Eastern Time, Central Time Zone, Mountain Time Zone, and the Pacific Time Zone.

10. The 3 Oceans that border Canada are the Pacific Ocean to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north.

11. The Mackenzie River is the longest river in Canada

12. Mount Logan located in the Yukon Territory is Canada's tallest peak at 5,959 metres.

13. Michaëlle Jean is the Governor General of Canada

14. Great Slave Lake is Canada’s deepest lake

15. Canada's Provinicial and Territory Flowers:

Alberta – Wild Rose

Saskatchewan – Red Lily

Manitoba - Crocus

Ontario – White Trillium

Quebec – Blue Flag Iris

New Brunswick - Purple Violet

Nova Scotia - Mayflower

Newfoundland – Pitcher Plant

Prince Edward Island – Lady’s Slipper

Northwest Territories – Mountain Avens

Nunavut – Purple Saxifrage

Yukon - Fireweed

To order Flowers for delivery in Canada visit All Flowers and Gifts.


Other fun and interesting facts about Canada

 Canada is the world's largest producer of maple syrup

 Canada and Germany are the world's largest producers of ice wines

 Canada is the second largest country in the world (land mass) with 9,971,000 square kilometers of area (the largest is Russia)

 The Baseball Glove was invented in Canada in 1883

 Canada has the longest coastline in the world, with 243,000 kms of shore

 The Trans Canada Highway is the longest national highway in the world

 Five pin bowling was invented in Toronto by T.E. Ryan in 1909

 Basketball is unique in that it was invented by a one person and that was Canadian James Naismith in 1891

 A poet from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Charles Fenerty, was the first person to use wood fibers to make paper

Prom Flowers - Graduation Flowers

Graduation and Prom Flowers: 
Corsages and  Boutonnieres


Corsages
Corsages are a small bouquet of flowers that are usually given as a gift. It is customary for the male to buy a corsage for his escort. It is a good idea to know what color dress your date is wearing so that the corsage you buy goes well with the prom dress. It is becoming more common for couples to choose the corsages and boutonnieres together.

Pinned Corsages: Pinned corsages can be worn on the chest just under the shoulder with the stem pointed down, they should also be pinned on an angle away from the face.  The corsage should be pinned on the left side.  Pinned corsages can also be worn at your waist, this is often a great location when wearing a strapless dress. Again it should be pinned on the left side.  Alternatively, corsages can be pinned to handbags or worn in the hair.

White Rose and Orchid Corsage

Spicy Orange Roses Corsage

Wrist Corsages:
An alternative to pinned corsage are wrist corsages, often referred to as wristlets. With a wrist corsage, the wearer doesn't have to worry about damaging the fabric of her dress with a pin.  A wrist corsage should be worn on the left wrist. Alternatively, a wrist corsage can be worn on the ankle or at knee level.

Lavender Rose Wrist Corsage

Purple Corsage

Boutonniere
A boutonniere is the prom flower worn by the guys.  Usually, boutonnieres are a single flower or bud.
Traditionally for proms, the woman purchases the boutonniere for her date, choosing colors that will match or go well with her dress. When in doubt, a boutonniere made with a single white rose bud,
will usually go with anything color. Other popular flowers for boutonnieres are small orchids, and alstroemeria and various color rose buds.

Purple Dendrobium Boutonniere

Rolled Gypsophila Boutonniere

White Rose Boutonniere

Visit All Flowers and Gifts for a large selection of Prom Flowers including corsages, boutonnieres, presentation flowers, nosegays and bouquets.
If you do not see what you are looking for, call us Toll Free for your special custom order.

Zodiac Signs and Flowers

Astrology, Horoscopes and Flowers Astrology Flower Ideas by Teleflora

What's your sign? Are you a passionate Scorpio, a practical Taurus or an incurably romantic Cancer? Which zodiac sign your birthday lands under may not rule your destiny, but it may offer a peek inside your floral astrology. So next time you're debating whether to send a bunch of bold red tulips, fun-loving sunflowers or fragrant lilies, look to the stars for a little inspiration. Find out what makes them tick - and what flower arrangement is likely to tickle their fancy - with Teleflora's Astrology Flower Guide.

Aries: March 21 - April 20

Born under the symbol of the sure-footed ram, the Aries, a fire sign, is confident and fierce. Dynamic and full of contagious energy, those born under this zodiac sign are usually the ones who take the lead – quick to volunteer for adventure and preferring the road less traveled to previously charted territory.


Birth Sign Flower: Match the Aries enthusiasm and zeal with flowers the color of passion (romantic or otherwise) – like an anything-but-demure red tulip flower bouquet. Dazzling and full of energy, it’ll appeal to their love of bold gestures and their appreciation for the slightly unexpected.

Buy Tulip Bouquets Online


Taurus: April 21 - May 21

Zodiac Sign: Even though they’re best known for being as headstrong and fierce as a bull – their zodiac sign’s symbol – there’s an indisputable warmhearted, romantic and sensuous side to the Taurus personality as well. And, while this earth sign’s also known for its well-grounded, practical sensibilities, they harbor an equally strong love for beautiful things, pleasure and comfort that enjoys being indulged.


Birth Sign Flower: Cater to the Taurus’s appreciation for nature’s exquisite beauty with flowers that appeal to their full range of senses – like a flower bouquet showcasing majestic lilies. Their rich symbolism will appeal to the Taurus’s respect for history, and the lily’s dramatic form and fragrant perfume will indulge their romantic, sensual side.

                                         Shop for Lily Bouquets

Gemini: May 22 - June 21

Zodiac Sign: Easily adaptable and versatile – with a lively (sometimes bordering on the mischievous) imagination – Geminis are one of the most creative of all the zodiac signs. With the heavenly twins as their birth sign symbol, and a lightheartedness often associated with air signs, it’s no surprise that Geminis have highly sociable and playful personalities. Their expressive (downright talkative), clever qualities make them fun-loving friends and treasured companions.


Birth Sign Flower: Surprise a Gemini with a flower bouquet filled with roses – a flower that symbolizes the essence of their zodiac sign: love and companionship. With the ability to convey a wide range of messages and sentiments depending on their color, roses are a perfect match for this birth sign’s multi-dimensional (twin) sides, from friendship to passion, quiet sophistication to a bright burst of fun.

Buy Rose Bouquets Online



Cancer: June 22 - July 22

Zodiac Sign: Often considered the most emotional of the zodiac signs, it’s not surprising to find a bunch of incurable romantics among those born under the sign of Cancer. Some say that the Cancer's personality can be boiled down to one word: sensitivity – and along with this comes a patient, sociable and loving disposition.

Birth Sign Flower: Let these generous spirits know how much you appreciate their compassion and thoughtfulness with a flower arrangement filled with delphinium – aptly named for their dolphin-shaped flowers (an appropriate match for this water sign). With symbolism tied to an open heart, ardent attachment and a feeling of lightness and levity, delphinium will appeal to the Cancer’s sensitivity and romanticism.

Shop Online for Delphinium Bouquets


Leo: July 23 - August 22

Zodiac Sign: The most dominant, spontaneously creative and extroverted of all the zodiac signs, Leos are also warmhearted, generous and loving. Strong, honorable, self-confident and dignified, those who share this birth sign think and act big – loving the limelight (stealing it, if they have to).

Birth Sign Flower: Choose a floral arrangement for Leos that matches this fire sign’s big hearted personality – like a flower bouquet filled with attention-grabbing sunflowers. With grand proportions, open faces and symbolism rooted in happiness and warmth, sunflowers capture both the Leo’s confidence and strength as well as their unfussy, loving spirit.

Shop Online for Sunflowers


Virgo: August 23 - September 23

Zodiac Sign: With a penchant for detail, Virgos are often known for their meticulous and diligent personalities. And while people born under this zodiac sign are frequently modest and shy, underneath their unassuming, reserved exteriors, there’s a wise and witty side as well, with a keen understanding of the people around them.

Birth Sign Flower: Surprise this otherwise practical, intellectual and serious earth sign with a flower arrangement that provokes their more lighthearted side. Daisy-like asters, with their wildflower beauty, star-shaped flowers and lush texture – not to mention their legendary enchanted qualities – will incite a Virgo’s imagination and coax their fun-loving side.

Shop for Daisy Bouquets


Libra: September 24 - October 23

Zodiac Sign: Considered by many to be the most desirable of the zodiac signs, because it represents the zenith of the year when the harvest of spring’s hard work is reaped, the Libra – with its symbol of the scales – personifies perfect balance and harmony. Romantic and charming, those born under this air sign are naturally kind and gentle.

Birth Sign Flower: With their strong wooden stems and lacey, star-shaped pom-poms, hydrangeas personify the balance of opposites – a fitting choice for Libras. Symbolizing heartfelt sincerity and the giver’s gratefulness for a recipient’s understanding nature, a hydrangea flower arrangement also captures the Libra’s thoughtful and gentle disposition.

Shop for Hydrangea Bouquets and Plants


Scorpio: October 24 - November 22

Zodiac Sign: Known as the most intense of the zodiac signs, Scorpios are both powerful and passionate. Their tenacity and willpower are immense, their conviction strong (if not at times overwhelming), and yet Scorpios are also deeply sensitive and easily moved by their emotions. When inspired, it’s said that those born under this water sign can exceed limits in almost all endeavors. In fact, Scorpios are said to be more likely to become geniuses than those born under any other zodiac sign.

Birth Sign Flower: Indulge the sensual and passionate Scorpio with a floral bouquet of lush red peonies. With their luxuriously full shape and bold, passionate red color, these flowers embody both a sense of romance (a complement to the Scorpio’s sensitivity) and power. Also regarded an as omen of good fortune and prosperity, they’re a fitting match for the Scorpio’s fierce potential.

Shop for Peony Bouquets Online


Sagittarius: November 23 - December 21

Zodiac Sign: The centaur – the horse-and-man symbol for the Sagittarius zodiac sign – represents a combination of powerful intellect teamed with physical strength and energy. Strong, independent spirits and full of energy, Sagittarians are naturally open-minded and thirst for new ways of thinking, craving travel and exploration. Ambitious and optimistic, a Sagittarian’s hopes are not easily dashed, and perhaps because of this, they tend to find much luck in life.

Birth Sign Flower: Capture the Sagittarian’s multi-dimensional personality with carnations – an equally multi-dimensional flower. Associated with a myriad of symbolism – from to love to fascination, distinction to luck (when white), carnations aptly reflect this fire sign’s passionate nature, hunger for adventure, intellect and good fortune. And, as a flower known for its inherently long-lasting nature, carnations personify the Sagittarian’s strength and endurance.

Shop Online for Carnation Bouquets


Capricorn: December 22 - January 20

Zodiac Sign: The responsible, reliable Capricorn is one of the most stable and serious of the zodiac signs, so it’s not surprising that they’re an earth sign – deeply rooted and happiest when the ground around them is secure and steady. Although practicality and self-discipline are such an integral part of their nature, like the rest of us, Capricorns appreciate a little indulgence and beauty – which is why it’s so much fun to surprise them with it.

Birth Sign Flower: The Capricorn’s responsible, dependable personality makes them ideal caretakers for a long-lasting plant – and African violets, with their bright colorful flowers and soft, velvety petals – deliver an added indulgence. Symbolizing faithfulness – a trait in keeping with the Capricorn’s stable nature – with just a hint of luxuriousness and sensuality, the African violet may just be the Capricorn’s perfect match.

Shop for African Violet Bouquets and Plants


Aquarius: January 21 - February 19

Zodiac sign: Don’t be fooled by the Aquarian’s love for independence – underneath this zodiac sign’s penchant for autonomy lies a thriving romantic streak as well. An air sign with an honest, loyal, spiritual and intuitive nature, Aquarians are exceptionally committed and faithful to the people they love. And because they can usually be counted on to see the positive side of any situation, the people they love, love to be around them.

Birth Sign Flower: With its quiet beauty, artful form and inherent grace, orchids are a perfect complement to the Aquarian’s spiritual and intuitive characteristics. And with symbolism tied to love, beauty and strength, orchids will resonate with this birth sign’s sense of loyalty. Choose pink orchids, representing pure affection, to fuel their romantic streak or surprise them with cattleya orchids to convey mature charm.

Shop for Orchid Bouquets and Plants


Pisces: February 20 - March 20

Zodiac sign: Known for their gentleness and patience, those born under the zodiac sign of Pisces excel at understanding themselves and others more than any other birth sign. A water sign with an open heart, generous spirit and compassion, it’s not surprising that Pisces tend to be popular with all kinds of people. Easygoing and affectionate, they lead with emotion rather than rationality and are more often ruled by instinct over intellect.

Birth Sign Flower: Send a Pisces flowers that convey your great admiration and appreciation, while still keeping in mind that their personality can be uncomfortable with grand gestures of affection or a flower arrangement that feels too bold or showy. Alstroemeria, with their delicate blossoms and miniature lily-like appearance capture just the right mix of generous beauty and quiet splendor.

Shop Online for Alstroemeria Bouquets

The History of Mother's Day

The History of Mother's Day

Mother's Day is a holiday celebrated on the second Sunday in May.
The first celebrations of Mother's Day can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who worshiped mother goddesses Rhea (RHEA was the Titanis mother of the gods, and a goddess of female fertility, motherhood, and generation)  and Cybele (the mother goddess, also known as earth mother). During the 1600s in England During the 1600's, the early Christians in England celebrated a day to honor Mary, the mother of Christ and a special day was set apart as Mothering Day, a day of taking small cakes and trinkets to mothers.


In the U.S. the idea for Mother's Day has been credited to Ann Jarvis. The first Mother's Day observance in the United States was a church service held on  May 10, 1908 at the request of Anna Jarvis to honor her deceased mother, Ann Marie Reeves Jarvis. Because of her mother's fondness for carnations, Anna wore a carnation to that first service and vases of white carnations were set about the platform where the service was held. At the end of the service one of the white carnations was given to each person present as a souvenir of Mother's Day.


Anna went on to play an active role in encouraging the government to establish a national holiday to honor mothers everywhere. By 1911 Mother's Day was being celebrated throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, China, Japan and Africa.


On May 9, 1914, President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May as National Mother's Day and asked all Americans to offer their respect and love for mothers publicly.

Mother's Day has now become a day when children honor their mothers with cards, gifts and flowers. There are several options of flower gift giving for Mother's Day and All Flowers and Gifts provides you with a wide range of floral products for gift giving. They range from Mother's Day flower arrangements, hand tied flower bouquets, roses, planter baskets and gift baskets.
 

Visit All Flowers and Gifts for a large selection
of Mother's Day Flowers

Easter Brunch

Easter Brunch Menu Ideas, Decorating Ideas and Recipes

Easter Brunch Menu Ideas

How to set up an Easter Brunch Menu: (some recipes to follow)
1. Choose one or a couple of the following bread items:
Muffins, Easter Bread, Hot Cross Buns, Breakfast Pull-Aparts, Scones

2. Fruit Salad or Tray of an Assortment of Fresh Fruit

3. Tray of Assorted Cheeses and/or a tray of Assorted Seafood / devilled eggs

4. Hot Dishes: (pick 2 or 3)
- Waffles with fruit and whipped cream
- Make Ahead Eggs Benny
- Chili Rellano
- Ham Quiche
- Overnight French Toast or Coconut Milk French Toast
 - Hash Brown Brunch Bake
 - Maple Sausages
- Crepes
 - Glazed Ham slices

5. Beverages
Mimosas, Orange Juice and Sparkling Water, Lemon Iced Tea with sprigs of mint, Assortment of fresh juices, Coffee, Tea

6. Sweets
Lemon Tarts, Easter Cupcakes, or Easter Carrot Cake

How to decorate carrot cake for Easter watch video at: http://allrecipes.com/HowTo/How-to-Decorate-an-Easter-Cake-Video/Detail.aspx

Decorate cupcakes with pastel colored icings. Can add green-dyed coconut on top of icing (not necessary to use colored icing if adding coconut)  and decorate with small Easter eggs, chicks, bunnies, etc. Use licorice sticks for handles to make cupcakes look like baskets
After Brunch enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt.


Easter Decorating Ideas

Use lots of beautiful pastel colors, bright yellows, greens, purples etc…all the colors of spring

Use candles in the shape of eggs, be sure to decorate with lots of fresh spring flowers, add fresh flowers to napkins, use colored eggs, bunnies, chicks, moss, grass (wheat grass works great) etc to decorate.
Spring flowers:  tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, daisies, Easter Lily, Hydranga, Iris - Easter Flower Ideas

Kalanchoe and Ivy Easter Basket from All Flowers and Gifts

Easter Brunch Recipes

Raspberry White Chocolate Scones

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
• 2 ounces chopped white chocolate
• ¾ cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 1 ½ tsp. pure vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, beaten

Preheat oven to 375 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, blend together, flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into small pieces and blend into the flour mixture with a pastry blender. The mixture should look like course crumbs. Stir in the chocolate chunks.  In a bowl whisk together the yogurt, vanilla extract and egg. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and stir just until the dough comes together, add raspberries and stir in. Do not over mix.

Transfer to a lightly floured surface and knead the dough gently four or five time and pat the dough into an oblong shape that is about 11/2" thick. Cut the dough into eight triangles. Place the scones on the baking sheet.
Bake for about 18 to 20 mins. or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.


Breakfast Pull Aparts

• 1 cup butter
• 3/4 cup brown sugar
• 3 Tbsp cinnamon
• 1/2 to 1 c. chopped pecans
• 1 loaf Frozen Bread Dough

Thaw bread dough
Oil Bundt pan and sprinkle pecans in the bottom of the pan.
Cut thawed bread dough into 1 inch pieces. In a small mixing bowl, stir together the brown sugar and cinnamon. Melt butter. Dip dough pieces in butter then roll in the cinnamon/sugar mix. Place dough pieces in bundt pan until complete. Pour remaining butter and cinnamon/sugar over the top. Cover bundt pan with plastic wrap on clean tea towel and let sit overnight. In the morning the dough will have raised to the top of the pan, place pan in 350 degrees oven and bake for approximately 30 mins. Once the pull aparts are cooked remove from oven and place bundt pan upside down on a large plate, after a few mins loosen the sides of the cinnamon roll with a knife if necessary and again place upside down on plate


Chili Rellano

• 1/2 C flour
• 10 eggs
• 1 1/2 tsp Baking Powder
• 1 lb. grated Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 8 oz. package of creamed cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 - 7 oz. can diced ortega chilis

Combine first 3 ingredients. In separate bowl, combine next 4 ingredients. Add these to the first 3 ingredients. Stir to combine and pour into greased

11 x 13" baking dish. Bake 45 mins at 350degrees (or until golden on top).


Hashbrown Brunch Bake

• 2 lbs. frozen chuck style hashbrowns, thawed
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. pepper
• 1 1/2 tsp. onion powder or to taste
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 package (8 oz.) sour cream
• 2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup melted butter
• 2 c. crushed corn flakes

Mix all ingredients (except butter and crushed corn flakes) in a greased casserole dish (9x13).  Bake for 30 mins. Mix the crushed corn flakes with melted butter sprinkle over top of mixture in overn and continue baking for an additional 14 - 20 mins
Overnight Eggs Benny

• 4 English muffins, split & toasted
• 16 thin slices Canadian bacon
• 8 eggs
• 1/4 c. butter
• 1/4 c. flour
• 2 c. milk
• 2 c. shredded Swiss cheese
• 1/2 c. dry white wine
• 1/8 tsp. nutmeg

In 13"x9" baking dish, arrange english muffins, cut side up. Place 2 bacon slices on each muffin half. Half fill large skillet with water, bring to boil. Break one egg into a dish. Carefully slide egg into water. repeat with 3 more eggs. Simmer, uncovered 3 minutes or until set. Remove egg with slotted spoon, place on muffin. Repeat with remaining eggs.

SAUCE: Melt 1/4 cup butter, stir in flour, paprika, nutmeg and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Add milk all at once. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Stir in cheese until melted. Stir in wine. Spoon over muffins and bacon. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake, uncovered at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.

Overnight French Toast

• 4 tablespoons butter at room temperature
• 12 3/4-inch-thick Sour Dough Bread
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsps cinnamon
• 6 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1/4 cup maple syrup 
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Generously butter a 9” x 13” baking dish. Mix together the brown sugar and cinnamon and sprinkle in the bottom of the baking dish. Arrange bread slices on top of the brown sugar/cinnamon mixture in dish. Combine eggs, milk, sugar, syrup, vanilla and salt in large bowl; whisk until well blended. Pour egg mixture over bread. Turn bread slices to coat evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 375°. Bake for approximately 25 mins. Serve hot with warm maple syrup, fruit, or your favorite topping.

Coconut French Toast

• 4 - 5 eggs
• 1 cup of thick coconut milk
• 1 tsp. cinnamon
• 3 Tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla
• Salt to taste
• thick slices of sour dough bread
• Crushed macadamia nuts (optional)

Whisk together all ingredients except the bread. Dip each slice of bread into egg mixture. Melt butter in large skillet and fry each well soaked bread slice in skillet until nicely browned on both sides. Arrange on warmed plate and sprinkle cinnamon over French toast, fruit, and crushed macadamia nuts. Serve with whipped cream or warmed syrup.


Maple Sausage

Slice breakfast sausages in approximatly 3/4" slices, Cook sausage until nice and brown. Put into bowl, pour ¼ cup vinegar over top, sprinkle brown sugar over top and stir together. Ready to serve. Delicious!

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St. Patrick's Day Fun Facts St. Patrick's Day -March 17

Some fun information about St. Patrick's Day:

• St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday in Ireland, celebrating the patron saint of the country, St. Patrick.
• St. Patrick’s Day is held on March 17 each year, which is the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick
• St. Patrick was actually born in Britain not Ireland
• SLAINTE (pronounced SLAN-cha)! – Is an Irish toast to your health
• The traditional emblem of St. Patrick’s Day is a green shamrock. St. Patrick was known for using the 3-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Christian Holy Trinity
• The first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in the United States on March 17, 1762 when Irish soldiers serving in the English colonial army marched through New York City. Since then the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has become the world’s oldest and largest.
• Dublin will celebrate St. Patrick’s day with the annual St. Patrick’s Festival, which run between March 16 - 19, 2012. In recognition of Dublin’s status as The City of Science, the Festival parade and ever-popular city Treasure Hunt is this year inspired by science. Dublin will come alive with pageantry, carnivals and lots  of free entertainment.
• A leprechaun is an Irish fairy who looks like a small, old man about 2 feet tall, like the one is the picture.  The name leprechaun  means "little body."
• Every year on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago holds a St. Patrick’s Day parade and also dyes the Chicago River Green.
• Ireland is about 300 miles (480 kilometers) long and 200 miles (320 kilometers) wide.  For more information on Ireland visit Earthy Family
• To order St. Patrick's Day Flowers click here

Recipe for Traditional  Irish Stew

2 – 3 pounds of boneless lamb, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 ½ tsp fresh chopped parsley
1 tsp dried or fresh thyme
6 cups chicken or lamb stock
2 – 3 pounds potatoes, peeled & quartered
1 - 2 large onions, chopped
2 cups of chopped carrots
6 stalks of celery, chopped
6 Tbsp of flour
¼ cup vegetable oil
salt & pepper

Heat the oil in a dutch oven. Add the lamb, parsley, thyme, salt and pepper. When meat in nicely browned add the potatoes, onions, carrots, celery and the broth. Simmer covered for 2 hours.


In a small bowl whisk together flour and some of the broth from the stew until smooth. Stir into the simmering stew until the stew has thickened, then continue simmering for an additional 4 – 5 mins.


An Old Irish Blessing....

May love and laughter light your days,

and warm your heart and home.

May good and faithful friends be yours,

wherever you may roam.

May peace and plenty bless your world

with joy that long endures.

May all life's passing seasons

bring the best to you and yours!

An Irish Prayer....

May God give you...

For every storm, a rainbow,

For every tear, a smile,

For every care, a promise,

And a blessing in each trial.

For every problem life sends,

A faithful friend to share,

For every sigh, a sweet song,

And an answer for each prayer.

May your day be touched

by a bit of Irish luck,

brightened by a song in your heart,

and warmed by the smiles

of the people you love.

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