Monday, 1 October 2012

Make your own potpourri


Make your own potpourri


People have used potpourri for centuries to decorate and add fragnance to their homes. Potpourri is essentially a combination of dry botanical materials, fixative to hold the scent and scented oils. Adding your own botanical materials and/or scented oil creates a distinctively personal touch. There are many ways of creating your own personalized potpourri blends. Choosing and mixing botanicals is probably the best parts of making potpourri. With these materials you invent the color scheme, texture and feel of the blend. Mixes can be brightly colored and bold a soft; muted blend of monochromatic colors. Textures play a big role in developing the feel of the blend. Large, chunky botanicals with lots of texture look wonderful together for a dramatic and modern presentation. Lots of tiny botanicals give a delicate, more natural flavor to blend. Generally, a potpourri blend has at least three different types of botanicals if not more. However, it makes a dramatic and stunning display to put out a container full of one type of botanical.

Build on pre-mixed blends to create your own, unique blends. Mixing in your dried materials gives you a chance to create unique blends.

Blending It All Together

You may be amazed how easy it is to make your own potpourri. To blend all your ingredients together and make up a batch of potpourri, just follow these three easy steps.

·         Choose all your botanicals first and mix them together until you create the perfect color and texture combination. If you choose some heavily scented botanicals that will steer the direction of your blend and cloud influence the scented of the oil you choose.

·         Place some fiber fix in a glass, ceramic or metal bowl and add the desired amount of scented oil. Stir the oil in well, cover the bowl (with a plate) and allow the oil to soak into the fixative for 2 to 4 hours.

·         Once the scented fixative is ready, stir it into the botanical blend. Mix everything well. Pour the entire batch of potpourri into a paper bag for “curing”. This curing process allows all the smells to blend into each other. Seal the paper bag with tape, staples or paper clips and set it in a cool, dry location out of the direct sun. Shake the bag once daily to keep everything blending evenly. After 5 to 7 days, the botanicals and scented fixative will have blending and mellowed into the final scent of the potpourri and it is ready to put out or bag and sell.

How many extra botanicals or how much extra scent you use is completely up to you.

 

Storage


If you plan to store potpourri for a long period of time you will need to put it in an airtight container. Make sure there is not moisture in the container. Place a packet of silica gel in every pound of potpourri you are storing. Silica packets absorb the moisture; preventing mold and mildew during storage should there be any moisture still in the container or in the potpourri. You can make a pack by sealing about a tablespoon of silica gel in a small envelope or a muslin bag.

     

Friday, 28 September 2012

Beauty of Fresh Flowers


Beauty of Fresh Flowers

Flowers speak to us in a thousand ways. They show love, care and affection. They are one of the most special ways to express feelings and say the unsaid. When it comes to making someone feel special, flowers are second to none. They make great gifting ideas: be it birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, parties and get-togethers, you always make the right impression with floral items. And who better than Floralis, the online flower shop, to help you make every occasion unforgettable?
 

The beauty of fresh flowers lingers on for a long time and is a constant source of joy for the recipient. But the tricky part is finding quality flowers which make ideal gifts. Sure, you can go around looking for them in the market, and you may even find some to your liking. But are they fresh? Will they retain their fragrant characteristics when kept indoors? What if a few are not as colorful or vibrant as the others? These are some nagging questions every flower lover has to face. How about a one-stop online flower shop which takes your worries away once and for all? Floralis is one such premier floral boutique that caters to the needs of a vast national and international clientele, delivering nothing but fresh flowers, floral arrangements, bouquets, wreaths and dried flowers all over India and to different countries worldwide.
 

If you are looking for something to accompany your flowers, Floralis has an array of combos to suit your requirements. The ‘Fresh Rose, Cute Teddy and Chocolate Combo’ is one of our best sellers and perfect for people to express their newfound love or rekindle their existing romance. The ‘Fresh Flower and Teddy Grand Combo’ is the ideal gift for a special occasion and makes the right first impression. It is also perfect to showcase your care and appreciation for the recipient. Another Floralis favorite is the ‘Combo Arrangement with Chocolate’ – exquisite flowers arranged beautifully in a basket by expert florists together with fine chocolate to make those special moments extra sweet. For more details about the combos on offer, be sure to check the product catalogue under “Combo” and take your pick.
 

Floralis has been spreading smiles all across the world with its careful selection of fresh flower arrangements. Buyer demand and insights into consumer psyches enable its florists to handpick the most vibrant and exotic flowers and weave their magic around them. The result: floral arrangements that are a sight to behold - not only for the receiver but also others around. You can find the rarest combinations in this online flower shop. From ‘Fresh Arrangement with Asiatic Lily, Gerbera and Orchid’, ‘Fresh Arrangement with Red Rose, Carnation and Oriental Lily’ to ‘Fresh Arrangement with Machara Orchid and Carnation’ and ‘Fresh Arrangement with Sonia Orchid Pink’, get ready to feast your eyes on a visual treat. Floralis also offers flower arrangements in terracotta pots, glass vases and baskets which enhance the beauty of every creation.
 

Come to Floralis and see for yourself what flowers can do for your loved ones. Visit this one-of-a-kind online flower shop and explore a wide variety of gifting ideas, including some you would want to treat yourself to. Happy shopping!  

 

 

Saturday, 22 September 2012

Flowers are the best medium of expression


Flowers are the best medium of expression

If you like someone and want to express your feelings with subtlety or if you are unsure whether that person reciprocates your feelings, what do you do? Buying a very expensive piece of jewelry doesn’t make any sense. What if your proposal is turned down? Gifting a dress is too personal. It may not be according to the person’s taste. What else can you do to express how you feel without going overboard? The answer lies in flowers. Gifting flowers is one of the most special ways to say what you can’t in words.


Floralis is India’s premier online flower shop which has been not only been delivering flowers but also care and affection to peoples’ doorsteps. Gifting bouquets, flower arrangements and dry flowers can be the perfect way to strengthen a lifelong bond of love and trust. To make it more convenient for buyers, Floralis offers a wide selection of floral items, including fresh and artificial flowers through its online flower boutique. For customers who place last minute orders, Floralis sends their choice of products to their desired destinations through express delivery. This way, you know your special someone will receive the token of your love when you want them to.
 

In today’s digital life, things are very frenzied. Time is the most valuable asset and no matter how much we plan, we always seem to be running out of it. Amidst all the things we are doing and want to do, sparing time for selecting a gift is becoming increasingly difficult. This is where Floralis comes to your rescue. You can choose from an assortment of fresh and exquisite flower arrangements by top florists. This way, you save time looking for individual flowers to complete your bouquet. They are available to order online, with all India delivery starting as low as Rs. 479. Show your near and dear ones you care without having to step out of your home.
 

Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Floralis – going that extra mile to not only meet but exceed buyer expectations is not a rarity but an everyday affair. The collection is hand-picked by in-house experts so that there is no dearth of options when you are shopping for products. At Floralis, stocks are updated regularly in-tune with national and international demand. Whether its birthdays, social gatherings or weddings, you will always find something for making every occasion special. Floral arrangements are also ideal house warming gifts, and while you choose something for your loved ones, you won’t be able to resist buying “a little something” for yourself too.

When it comes to dried flowers, Floralis offers an unmatched selection of Spiral Palm Chains, Palm Leaf Flowers, Roman Candles, Moti Sticks, Mond Capsules, Banana Bundles, Black Berries, Bell Slices, Coco Rolls and Meho Mexican Coco at unbelievably attractive prices. For a complete list of available products, be sure to check out the dried flowers catalogue on the website. Because of in-house painting and production, Floralis provides a large palette of color choices to complement your needs. If you want to gift something that’s thoughtful and at the same time unique, Floralis makes it a lot easier for you to say more with flowers.

 

Sunday, 16 September 2012

Autumn Specials


Autumn Specials

According to the flower horoscope, marigold marks the onset of autumn. The flower is known for its colorfulness and vibrancy, typical of this time of the year. It’s a time to dwell in festivities and good cheer. Not only in India but around the world, the latter half of the calendar year is packed with celebrations and merriment. And no celebration is complete without gifts. Floralis brings to you wonderful gifting ideas and solutions, helping you make these moments extra special for your family, friends and loved ones. With “Autumn Specials”, ordering a gift online has never been this easier and so much fun. Floralis is a unique concept, a first-of-its-kind flower shop in India, which has been spreading happiness not only within India’s geographic boundaries but is reaching out to several other countries also.

Keen insights in online consumer behavior, accurately forecasting and meeting global consumer demand and serving a multitude of first-time as well as return buyers enable Floralis to know what people want from an online flower shop. You get enough varieties of flowers, floral arrangements, cakes, candles, dried flowers and other unique gift items to spoil your family and yourself silly. Once you place an order, all your worries are ours. You can choose Express Delivery if you are running short of time or want your special one to receive your token of love without having to wait. Our “Autumn Specials” are always a sellout. Be sure to grab them before they are gone. Combo, Shells, Stones and Pebbles, Artificial Flowers, there’s a lot on offer at unbelievable prices! Visit our online flower boutique today and bring a smile on someone’s face.


Life’s special moments are with family, friends and near and dear ones. Festive occasions and social events like birthdays, marriages, anniversaries and parties celebrate the spirit of togetherness. Floralis makes these moments unforgettable by offering a large selection of gifts which add to the celebrations and also show how much you care. Your loved ones will cherish those moments when they see a basket of exquisitely decorated fresh floral arrangements at their doorsteps; or a cute teddy bear and Ferrero Rocher chocolates awaiting on a table. The joy your small gesture brings about is immeasurable and as they say nothing compares to the joy of giving. These gifts are ideal for everyone, from your parents, nieces and nephews and favorite teachers to old friends and relatives back home. Floralis is expanding its presence in new countries and adding new cities and towns across India to spread the joy of sending and receiving gifts.

Start this year’s festivities at Floralis, the online flower shop and see for yourself what flowers can do. Whether it’s showing your appreciation for a co-worker or taking the first steps towards a new relationship, flowers make the right impression every time. And don’t forget to have a look at our other products. Starting at just Rs. 99, there’s a big collection of smart gifting ideas for every occasion. At Floralis, you may even find something for yourself too.

 


Friday, 31 August 2012

Happy Teacher's Day


Teachers’ Day

According to William Arthur Ward, “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”  True, our teachers are the biggest source of inspiration – to help us reach out for the sky and never be afraid to fall. Because any great teacher will tell his students that it is not a crime to fall but it is unacceptable not to get up. These are some of the values teachers instill in us. True, they play instrumental roles in shaping our personalities, in guiding us through the journey of life and making us the persons we are. For such special people, Floralis, the online flower shop, offers a variety of gifting options to show them you care. 


Happy Teacher's Day !!



The true value of a great teacher cannot be measured in words. They are meant to be cherished every day of the year. October 5th is World Teachers’ Day, and since UNESCO recognized their importance, this day has become an annual celebration. The 5th of September, however, holds a very special meaning for every Indian student. It is celebrated as Teachers’ Day all across India with great aplomb. This date marks the birthday of Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan, great teacher, diplomat and President of India, who was a firm believer in the power of education. He loved teaching and held this profession in high regard. Dr. Radhakrishnan was a scholar, philosopher and writer himself and opined that lessons learnt from teachers stayed with students throughout their lives. At Floralis, we salute the great teacher and statesman and help you spread some happiness in your teachers’ lives. Visit our online flower shop and select from a thoughtful assortment of flowers, cakes, candles and chocolates. This simple gesture will show how much you appreciate their contribution in your life.
Nothing compares to a fresh arrangement of flowers. It conveys your emotions to the recipient without being overtly loud. Floralis helps you express how you feel about the most important people in your life by offering a wide range of bouquets and floral arrangements by our expert florists.

Cute teddy arrangement | A perfect combo for your beloved teachers !!

 These gifts will certainly add color and vibrancy to your teachers’ lives and tell them you still care. However, you may have relocated to a new city or state and wondering how to send your favorite teacher a token of your love. With Floralis, all your worries are taken care of. Now, you can send flowers to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and other cities in India with just one click. It’s that simple, really! Not just flowers, you can send cakes, chocolates and teddies through Express Delivery. All items are carefully packed to ensure what you see online is what your teacher receives. If you are gifting flowers, rest assured, Floralis will have fresh flowers delivered right at your teacher’s doorstep when you want to. 

Bouquet of fresh orange roses for your favorite teachers !!

For international customers, Floralis delivers flowers and gifts on different dates corresponding with Teachers’ Day in your country. As always, we are committed to providing you with the same high level of professionalism and timeliness as you have come to expect from a global flower shop. Happy Teachers’ Day to all!

Friday, 24 August 2012

Flowers - The best medium of expression



If you like someone and want to express your feelings with subtlety or if you are unsure whether that person reciprocates your feelings, what do you do? Buying a very expensive piece of jewelry doesn’t make any sense. What if your proposal is turned down? Gifting a dress is too personal. It may not be according to the person’s taste. What else can you do to express how you feel without going overboard? The answer lies in flowers. Gifting flowers is one of the most special ways to say what you can’t in words.

Floralis is India’s premier online flower shop which has been not only been delivering flowers but also care and affection to peoples’ doorsteps. Gifting bouquets, flower arrangements and dry flowers can be the perfect way to strengthen a lifelong bond of love and trust. To make it more convenient for buyers, Floralis offers a wide selection of floral items, including fresh and artificial flowers through its online flower boutique. For customers who place last minute orders, Floralis sends their choice of products to their desired destinations through express delivery. This way, you know your special someone will receive the token of your love when you want them to.





In today’s digital life, things are very frenzied. Time is the most valuable asset and no matter how much we plan, we always seem to be running out of it. Amidst all the things we are doing and want to do, sparing time for selecting a gift is becoming increasingly difficult. This is where Floralis comes to your rescue. You can choose from an assortment of fresh and exquisite flower arrangements by top florists. This way, you save time looking for individual flowers to complete your bouquet. They are available to order online, with all India delivery starting as low as Rs. 399. Show your near and dear ones you care without having to step out of your home.


Customer satisfaction is at the heart of Floralis – going that extra mile to not only meet but exceed buyer expectations is not a rarity but an everyday affair. The collection is hand-picked by in-house experts so that there is no dearth of options when you are shopping for products. At Floralis, stocks are updated regularly in-tune with national and international demand. Whether its birthdays, social gatherings or weddings, you will always find something for making every occasion special. Floral arrangements are also ideal house warming gifts, and while you choose something for your loved ones, you won’t be able to resist buying “a little something” for yourself too. When it comes to dried flowers, Floralis offers an unmatched selection of Spiral Palm Chains, Palm Leaf Flowers, Roman Candles, Moti Sticks, Mond Capsules, Banana Bundles, Black Berries, Bell Slices, Coco Rolls and Meho Mexican Coco at unbelievably attractive prices. For a complete list of available products, be sure to check out the dried flowers catalogue on the website www.floralis.in !! Because of in-house painting and production, Floralis provides a large palette of color choices to  complement your needs. If you want to gift something that’s thoughtful and at the same time unique, Floralis makes it a lot easier for you to say more with flowers.


Tuesday, 24 July 2012

Rakhi- The Thread of Love


Raksha Bandhan – The Thread of Love


Festivals of India always bring immense joy and happiness in the entire country. People forget various societal strains, induce fellow-feeling, open up channels of expression, give themselves an opportunity to rework on our role as human beings and most importantly, bring joy in their mundane lives. Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi is one such festival widely celebrated in India & all over the world which celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. It is also called Rakhi Purnima in certain parts of India, like the south. The festival falls on the full moon day (Shravan Poornima) of the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar.
 Perhaps the single most important way of celebrating Raksha Bandhan is by tying the raakhi. A sister ties a raakhi to the wrist of her brother. This symbolizes the sister's love and prayers for her brother's well-being, and the brother's lifelong vow to protect her. In the ancient Puranik scriptures, it is said that King Bali's stronghold had been the Raakhi. Hence, while tying the rakhi this couplet is usually recited:

Yena baddho Baliraja daanavendro Mahaabala,
tena twaamabhi badh naami rakshe naa chala naa chala

It means I tie on you (the devotee) the raksha which was tied on Bali, the King of demons. Therefore O Raksha! Do not ever fail to protect this devotee, do not ever fail.





History


It grew in popularity after Rani Karnavati, the widowed queen of Chittor, sent a rakhi to the Mughal emperor Humayun when she required his help. Another incident from the epic Mahabharat concerns Krishna and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas. She had once torn a strip of silk off her sari and tied it around Krishna's wrist to staunch the bleeding from a battlefield wound. Krishna was touched by her action and declared her to be his sister, even though they were unrelated. According to a legend the Demon King Bali was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu had taken up the task to guard his kingdom leaving his own abode in Vaikunth. Goddess Lakshmi wished to be with her lord back in her abode. She went to Bali disguised as a woman to seek refuge till her husband came back. During the Shravan Purnima celebrations, Lakshmi tied the sacred thread to the King. Upon being asked, she revealed who she was and why she was there. The king was touched by her goodwill for his family and her purpose and requested the Lord to accompany her. He sacrificed all he had for the Lord and his devoted wife. Thus, devotion to the Lord. It is said that since then it has been a tradition to invite sisters in Shravan Purnima for the thread tying ceremony or the Raksha Bandhan. According to one legendary narrative, when Alexander the Great invaded India in 326 BC, Roxana (or Roshanak, his wife) sent a sacred thread to Porus, asking him not to harm her husband in battle. In accordance with tradition, Porus, a Katoch king, gave full respect to the rakhi. On the battlefield, when Porus was about to deliver a final blow to Alexander, he saw the rakhi on his own wrist and restrained himself from attacking Alexander personally.
The festival is marked by the tying of a rakhi, or holy thread, which comes in many colors and designs, by the sister on the wrist of her brother. The brother in return offers a gift to his sister and vows to look after her as she presents sweets to him. The brother usually presents his sister with an envelope filled with money however, other presents such as saris and clothing can be given.

We at FLORALIS this year have the best collection of rakhis and gifts for your loved ones. Our website www.floralis.in will be offering exciting offers on rakhi combos and flowers delivered all over India. Also, with every purchase on the website we will be giving 2 rakhis to our customers (on request) on this holy occasion.
To conclude this ritual not only strengthens the bond of love between brothers and sisters, but also transcends the confines of the family. When a Rakhi is tied on the wrists of close friends and neighbours, it underscores the need for a harmonious social life, where every individual co-exist peacefully as brothers and sisters.


We wish you all a very happy raksha bandhan.