A Little Flower Shop in Sacramento, CA

Most small business owners in the Sacramento area are looking for ways to drum up business. As a small business owner, I get so much phone calls from telemarketers promising to send business my way. One caller claimed their directory gets thousands of potential customers, claiming that they get a lot of web surfers searching for Sacramento florists. One company asked me to type certain keywords to show that their directory is on the top listing. Trouble is they are asking so much money, money that will eat up into the small budget that we small business owners work with.
Another caller used the same line, a promise to send more customers to our website. They can optimize our site and we'll find our site on the top listing on the search engines within a week. It's annoying sometimes to get so many calls each day of the week, taking our precious time on our main business - which is retailing of flowers and gifts and looking for simple and affordable ways to attract more business.

Sacramento CA and the Economy

With the housing market in a tight spot here in the Sacramento area and the price of gas is now over 3 bucks, I wonder how the floral industry will fare in this state of our economy. A few flower shops closed and a couple are up for sale.
The December sales are slightly down from last year, I wonder how our valentine sale will be. I have lowered my expectations and I'm not buying roses as much as last year, and yet, I'm hoping for the best. Not only do I have to prepare for that one day, I also need to prepare for a wedding for the Sunday after valentine. Thank goodness, weddings and funeral work are still a large part of the business of a florist. Weddings and funeral work haven't yet been invaded by walmart or the drug stores or grocery stores.

Affordable Florists Are in Your Local City

Affordable florists are in your neighborhood. Just look around your neighborhood, and you might find not one but a couple of flower shops to choose from. In my neighborhood, I just discovered that there are actually 2 florists at the corner shopping center, each facing each other and separated only by a parking lot access street. Amazing! But it is nice to just walk in and see what each one offers, select the freshest flowers, or plants, balloons or other gifts to send to friends or loved ones.
If you need flowers sent out of town, chances are you'll look online and search for florist in that town or city. Often times, the florists that pop up first are the big wire service providers that send orders nationally. But beware, even with their advertisement of saving you money, it usually just means that your recipient of flowers will not get the best value for your money.

Upon opening the phone book, one usually finds big and attractive ads of florists. Most local florists would only be able to afford small ads and the ads show their exact address and their local phone numbers. The big ads would usually have their 800 numbers and occasionally have a local number but would not disclose their actual address or location. If you call their 800 number you could potentially be calling a call center not only out-of-town, but out of the country!

Here's top 5 reasons for calling and ordering from your real local florist:
1 You get the best value for your money; you won't get charged any handling or shipping fee. The only fee added to your order of flowers is their standard delivery fee, and the applicable sales tax.
2 You get to speak directly to the florist who knows what is the freshest flower in stock, the flowers in season, and can answer any of your questions and concerns, and give you suggestions if you need any. And if you have any custom design in mind, the florist can make it to your specifications.
3 You can be assured that your flowers will be delivered promptly. The local florist knows the area very well, is familiar with the policies of funeral homes and hospitals in their delivery area, and if your order needs to be there at a certain time, you can communicate it directly with the florist.
4 In a rush, you have a better chance of having your delivery delivered the same day if you call the florist directly.
5 By talking to the local florist, you will get a feel of whether they will take care of your order with care or not. You can give them special instructions on how to handle the order or delivery, i.e, the recipient is hard of hearing, or is slow to get to the door.

So, the next time you need flowers, visit your local florist, you'll save a lot more than the $5.00 dollar coupon from the national flower wire sending service. In Sacramento, use A Vanity Fair Florist - the most affordable florist in Sacramento, CA.

How to Make the Most of the Holidays

You'll be busier than ever this holiday season, so here's how you can get the most out of these festive occasions with the least amount of time and stress.
Mark your calendar Plan what you will do each day for the next week, and plan to start your activity on schedule.
Make a List Make a list of supplies you need. Make a list of people you plan to give gifts to.

Make a list of people you plan to send cards to. Check off the lists as you go. On your list of people, remember to at least put the date or the year. You will be very happy to see your list the following year and be reminded of what you gave the last year.
Plan your shopping trips With the price of gas, you need to plan your shopping trips and don't forget your list and try to stick to it.
Bake home made cookies It's surprising what a few gaily decorated sweets can do. Brightly decorated cookies not only are taste-ticklers, but they make interesting gifts...especially when packaged with holiday wrapping and bows. Make the dough in advance and store in the refrigerator, or buy the cookie dough. Costco and most grocery stores now carry a wide variety of cookie doughs.
Try these Time-Savers Keep a supply of peeled carrots, celery, and lettuce in the refrigerator ready for an attractive veggie salad plate. Save tidbits of meat from turkey bones. Use for gravies or chop fine, add relish for sandwich spread.
Here's an easy to make Holiday Cookie:
You will need: 1 cup shortening, 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/2 cup white sugar, 1 egg, 2 tablespoons orange juice, 1 tablespoon grated orange rind 2 3/4 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/2 tsp. baking soda, 1/2 cup pecan nut meats (broken).

Cream shortening and add sugars gradually, while beating constantly. Add egg, well beaten, orange juice and orange rind. Sift flour, soda, and salt together and add the nuts. Form into rolls. Store in the refrigerator until ready to use. When ready, slice thin, place on greased cookie sheets. Bake at 375 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. You can decorate before or after baking, depending on your mood.

Centerpieces to accent Thanksgiving Table

The night comes earlier now and colder too. Which brings us closer to Thanksgiving and then Christmas. I am hosting dinner this year just like last year since my father-in-law passed 3 years ago and my mother-in-law has not been invited by any of the offsprings older than my husband, so we decided we'd have thanksgiving at our house. We'll have the usual turkey and dressing, ham and the trimmings. It's usually so busy at work that we have not enough time to prepare, but then, there's just my family of 3 and Mom and one or two brothers. I promised myself that I'll make a flower centerpiece to decorate my food table this year, and I'll also make one for my sister who is hosting a dinner for my side of the family.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!

Florists in Sacramento

There's this large florist with 2 stores that just shut down so suddenly. Both stores are in prime locations, both are next to a Subway shop. One would think that this florist is doing so well, with all the volume deliveries they do and the large inventory they carry in terms of containers, plants and flowers. The local wholesaler for greens/foliage shared that this florist owed them 24 hundred and who knows how much they owe the flower wholesalers. Unfortunately this florist declared bankruptcy and closed so suddenly. It's good for my business - I've seen an increase in walk-ins and call-ins, however, it's not good for the industry, not good for my wholesalers who have to suffer the loss of not being paid for supplies that have already been delivered and used by this florist.
One major reason for their downfall was 800flowers. Not only did they pay a percentage of their sales, but they also had to contend with the cheap orders sent to them by 800flowers. At best, they got 50% of the cost of orders from which they have to subtract the cost of goods and labor, delivery and all the associated expense of running a business. It's a very unfortunate situation.
My wholesalers are now more than ever grateful for the small Mom and Pop florists who either pay upfront or pay their bills consistently at the end of the month.
I'm a small florist in Sacramento and my greens/foliage wholesaler acknowledged that he appreciates that we pay upfront for our purchases, and we can be relied on to buy from him every week.

School Just Begun

Aug. 27, Monday was the start of school for most college students in the Sacramento, CA community colleges. For the elementary, junior high and high schoolers, school started last week. Nationwide, school begins after labor day. So everyone is buckling down, settling down to a daily routine. A lot of people are back home from vacations.
I am amazed at young people that signed up for college courses. Of the dozen close friends that my son has, only 1 friend and my son are enrolled in college. The rest are making too much money for their age at their jobs. Hopefully, my son and his friend stick it out.
And with the school and the daily routine and everyone back from vacations, I am seeing and getting a few more flower orders either from the website or over the phone.

Thank goodness, the slow months of summer (for the flower business anyway) is slowly a thing of the past again. And we continue to do wedding flowers for weddings for this month and the rest of the year.

July Musings of a Sacramento florist

July used to be the month for summer vacations, trips out of town, camping with friends. Here in Sacramento, people long to go out of town where it is a little cooler than 100 degrees F. Naturally, most businesses like the flower shops tend to slow down. After the June weddings, florists like to take it easy, others close shop for a week or two. And since it's supposed to be slow, I allowed my helpers to go on vacation. I am finding out though that business still has to go on, people still have birthdays, anniversaries, boys still mess up so they say sorry to the girls, and people still die. So, here I am, working double time, blowing up balloons, arranging roses, arranging plants in baskets, making silk arrangements, and candy bouquets.

June is for Graduations and Weddings

June is a busy month for graduations and weddings. And so here we are busy each week either making leis, corsages and boutonnieres. It seems leis are favorites for graduations and also small wrapped bouquets custom made with care specially for the graduate and yet we charge the same as the grocery store. Tomorrow we have bridal bouquet, corsages and boutonnieres for an intimate wedding at an LDS church. On Saturday, we have a bridal bouquet, 3 bridesmaids bouquets, 4 corsages, 5 boutonniers, flower girl's flowers and a tossing bouquet for another intimate wedding in Auburn. I had to turn down another wedding because I was already booked for these two small weddings.
There's 3 more weddings to deal with after this weekend and the month will soon be over. Then we will have to deal with the summer heat, hopefully, we will survive the hot days of Sacramento summer.

June weddings

The wedding has been announced .... which creates the excitement and the flurry of planning the "day". A florist is usually thought of later down the line closer to the set date. As professional florists, we would like to know the bride better, assess her personality, style and taste and appearance, so that we will be effective in helping her not only with the flowers but other details that she might otherwise overlook in the process. The most important information we need to know is the date, time and location of the wedding, and the color scheme and or theme. When planning to see and meet your florist be prepared to provide these following information:
1. Date, times and venues, and when are the flowers needed for picture taking, what time could the florist start setting up decorations.
2. What is the color scheme, and what flowers are preferred.
3. How big is the wedding, is it an intimate one, a grand wedding, in other words, what is the budget for flowers.
May and June are the busiest times of the year for weddings. Most florists like us, prefer to book only one wedding per weekend. That way, we can concentrate on providing the best service for that one special bride. I highly recommend that you see your favorite florist soon after you've decided on a date, so that you can book the date with the florist. The months of May and June are the months that florists are busy because of high school dances and proms, and Mother's day. If at all possible avoid getting married a week before or during Mother's Day. Most florists will have their attention on fulfulling mother's day orders and high school prom corsages and bouttoniers.
Good Luck!

Proms, corsages and boutonniers

It's prom and school dance season and kids can't seem to get it together. My son knew he was going to the school dance on Friday. His friend called at 1 pm wanting to know if I can have a corsage and boutonnier made and "by the way, your son is going too, so he needs one set too."

Today, I was about to close the store for the weekend at 3:30 and here comes a Mom and his son wanting a corsage. So, I make one and charge him a little more than I would have charged him if it was pre-ordered at least a day in advance.

Somehow, the scene of this Mom and son reminds me of Anna Nicole and her son Danny. I know for a fact how a mother grieves for the loss of a son. My mother grieved so much when my brother died at 9 months old, she was inconsoloble for a long period of time. But, unlike Anna, my mom had a family support system. They were there to take care of the other small kids, and whatever household chore that got neglected. For Anna Nicole, she was not left alone by the media, they did not give her space and time to grieve. Her mother did not extend her hand to help, instead she was out attacking her own daughter and accusing her and her partner for the demise of Danny. And then she tried to stop the burial so she can take Anna's body to Texas knowing full well that Anna wanted to be with her son. What was Virgie thinking? She's a mother and a grandmother, but is her motivation driven by grief of a daughter's loss or greed for the potential inheritance? She did not seem loving at all when she was out in public talking about her grandson's death. For a normal person, she should have tried to extend her helping hand to her grieving daughter; she should have tried to avoid the press; or should at least be quiet and give her daughter the chance to grieve. If she did that, people might just have been more sympathetic to her when Anna died instead of being booed. I feel sorry for her for the loss of her daughter, she's still a mother who lost a child.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Don't forget to wear green tomorrow, - it's St. Patrick's Day. However, drink that (Irish) beer in moderation. Enjoy the day and the rest of the weekend!

Springtime in Sacramento

It's almost spring time, birds are a-chirping in the early mornings, the sun is out and yet the air is crisp and the weathermen predict a couple of rainy days in the coming week.
Young brides-to-be have been calling about wedding flowers and our June weekends are almost fully booked. It is exciting to be part of the exciting life changing event of our young generation.

Valentine's Day, Roses, and the Florists

It's the eve of valentine's day and I just found out that one of the big florists in Sacramento recently closed its doors, I can't believe it! Closing the business right before a holiday - it's the only time when florists expect to make some profit. And yet, I wonder if I am in the right business - a little florist in sacramento - selling roses and posies at very affordable price, trying to compete with grocery stores, hardware stores, drug stores and the big box stores like Target and Wal-Mart. How can a small florist compete with those that have big budgets, I wonder and I shudder and brace myself for the one day holiday that's meant to express one's love. We have hundreds of roses and other flowers, will men come at the last minute to buy their valentine flowers?

Christmas in Sacramento, CA

With a 6 year old at home, we get reminded of how soon Christmas will be here, the number of days until Christmas and until Santa comes to drop off presents. Every morning we hear the same excitement and joy from our 6 year old. It's a good thing because it gets hectic during the day. Just going to work and coming home, the traffic on Watt Ave. is so busy especially around the shopping centers starting from Arden until Marconi. It's the same story on I80 towards Roseville.
For those that want to avoid traffic and the hassle of going to the malls and looking for parking space, there's an alternative. Visit your local florists - they have unique gift items that they can put in a gift basket, creatively packaged and delivered, or check their website; some offer specials for your website order, or give the florist a call.
Order flowers or plants for people that have everything. They'll appreciate that they received something that won't add to the clutter in their closet.

Shop at a Real Flowershop

Real florists - those of us who have brick and mortar shops, know
flowers, and our local area have a real challenge when it comes to
competition, not with other florists in the general area, but with
online businesses that claim to be local florists delivering in Sacramento.
If you are planning to order flowers or centerpieces, balloons,
candles, roses or plants for your loved ones in Sacramento, CA, we are online; check
us out at http://www.citrusheightsflorist.com, or stop by and see our
wide selection of Thanksgiving centerpieces, or autumn flowers, plants, and other gifts. You might just find the perfect gift or plant, or fresh flowers that you'll find more affordable and fresher than ones you'll get at the grocery store.
avflorist
Real Sacramento Florist

Hot Apple Cider on this cold autumn day

With the rain last night and the moisture it created, the air is nippy which makes it nice to stay indoors and watch the leaves falling from the trees.
Take this moment to plan and send a smile, or express your appreciation for your loved ones. We have bright and cheerful flower arrangement for the dinner table, or the coffee table, balloons or plush toys, or plants.
Make a pot of hot apple cider, make a list of things to do, stay warm and dry.

Remember our Veterans

On Nov. 11th, we celebrate Veteran's Day. I have 2 cousins who died serving this country. My father-in-law served in the Navy and he died 2 years ago on Veteran's day, so we will go to the cemetary, like so many families who lost their loved ones in wars that this country has been involved in, to visit their gravesite and leave fresh flowers to honor the great sacrifice they willingly offered.

We will also have red, white and blue flowers, that customers from out of town ordered to be delivered in gravesites, which we will deliver in honor of our veterans.

For those celebrating a serviceman, here's a red, white and blue bouquet in a glass cube - a patriotic tribute for Veteran’s Day… or to welcome home someone who’s served our country. A clear glass cube vase. The bouquet includes red roses and carnations, white daisy spray chrysanthemums, and accent flowers, and a miniature American flag.

God Bless America!

Homecoming is Upon Us

The corsages and boutonniers have been picked up and the kids are now currently enjoying and having fun at their homecoming dances. Next week another school will have their homecoming. We will again be busy making corsages and boutonniers for teenagers this time for Rio Americano High School. This will also be the first time that the football game will be held at the school, a true "home' game against River City High School. The Rio Raiders had always had their home games at El Camino Fundamental School, and for the first time in Rio's history, they'll really be playing at home. The game is on Oct. 7, Saturday; JV starts at 11 a.m., Varsity starts at 1 pm. It will be a very interesting day in the history of Rio Americano H.S. I'm glad the hard work of the parents of athletes will finally be paid off. I'm glad my son who's a senior varsity will experience the thrill of being in the first batch to play in their home turf. GO RAIDERS!

Fall flowers and foliage usher the start of the holidays

The weather has started to calm down, the temperature in Sacramento did not even reach the 90's - it was breezy, easy and generally very nice day to spend outdoors. You'll see kids playing outdoors, riding their bikes or scooters, and adults taking afternoon walks. It's a very nice relief from the sweltering temperatures of summer.
Don't forget the Grandparents on September 10th, Sunday. To all the grandparents, Happy Grandparents Day, enjoy it because you deserve it. For the rest of us, let us show our love and appreciation, visit or take them out for dinner or something.
It is not Fall yet, but I'm rejoicing that it's almost here!