Happy New Year!! Welcome 2010!!

Happy New Year everyone!! Let me first say that I hope that you all have a very safe and blessed New Year celebration.

I was just reading a facebook post by Insight Marketing that said that "this is the last day of the last year of this decade..." Wow, that puts it in perspective!!! It never really occured to me that this New Year celebration was that momentus. But the last day of the last year of this decade!! That's pretty amazing!

Just think where this decade has taken you! The things we have seen in this world, the events that have occured, the change that has taken place. All pretty amazing stuff!!

I have experienced so much personal change in this decade. At the beginning of this decade in 2000 I was a college student at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. I was in my sophmore year and I was in the process of changing my current major to criminal justice.

I know, I know - how did I go from Criminal Justice to owning a flower shop? I get asked that question a lot whenever someone sees my diploma.

So here goes , in a nut shell -- I started off at Loras as a pre-physical therapy major because I had just closed my business as a licensed massage therapist. I chose to go back to school to further my education and help people. While at Loras, I stumbled upon Criminal Justice as a major and career path. I have always very much enjoyed taking a deeper look into the workings of the criminal justice system and the criminal mind. I had the opportunity, through my studies, to work with juvenile offenders, tour super maximum correctional facitilities, and go on "ride alongs" with the Iowa State Patrol, Minneapolis Police Department and the Manchester City Police Department. All from which I gained a great deal of knowledge and experience.

While going to school in Dubuque, I took a job working at Ben Franklin Crafts. I have always enjoyed arts and crafts, and as the daughter of a professional crafter I spent most all my summertime weekends traveling to craft shows to set up a booth and sell her wares. At Ben Franklin I gained a great deal of knowledge on almost every aspect of crafting. From scrapbooking to custom framing, craft painting to fine arts, I got to learn from customers on how things worked and what they were good for. I also started to dabble in silk flower design while at Ben Franklin.

In the fall of 2002, An opportunity arose to work with Hobby Lobby. I was happy to take on this new adventure, even though when I was hired they didn't have a job title for me quite yet (the store was brand new to Dubuque and was still being set up) so I was put in charge of assisting the wall designers. For a solid week I spent hours a day standing underneath a cherry picker lining up the wall paper to attatch to the peg boards. I bet you never noticed that at Hobby Lobby before, have you? :) Take a look sometime at their wall displays, and all the work that goes into them. Someone worked hard on them! :)

I was able to really flourish as a floral designer with Hobby Lobby. I was put in charge of the floral department which included not only design but customer service (in all departements), ordering and stocking.

Hobby Lobby was such a great place to work mostly in part to the magnitude of crafting supplies and knowledge I had at my fingertips! You've probably been in a Hobby Lobby, right? Aren't you just amazed when you walk in at the great selection and value they offer?

So, so wrap this up -- I came to love floral arranging to much at Hobby Lobby that I decided to venture out on my own. Thus how I came to this place that I have created, Sarah's Flowers & Gifts. I have so enjoyed the past five years being a part of peoples lives. As a florist you are able to be there for people in the greatest and saddest moments. You are brought in to assist people when they are suffering a great loss and other times when they are celebrating a major life milestone. That is one of the greatest things about being a florist.

This decade has also brought me many, many, many personal successes as well. In 2005 I met my husband Dan. In 2007 we were married. And in 2008 we joyfully welcomed our daughter Hannah in our family. All these things have brought me more joy and laughter than I can ever say.

So thank you 2009 and this decade for all the wonderul gifts and opportunities that you have brought to me! I look forward to the next decade and all its possibilities!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone! First, I must apologize for the lapse in blogs.

Thanksgiving seems a blur and Christmas is now officially less than 2 weeks away! Where is time going?

The flower shop is looking more and more like Santa's workshop! It's not uncommon to stop by and find us knee deep in pine boughs or covered in glitter!

We have been creating a lot of unique fresh cut and silk pieces, as well as holiday crafts. Looking for something unique this holiday season? We have it!

How many times have you gone in search of the perfect gift for Aunt Maggie, the woman who has everything, and end up settling for the bubble bath/loofah basket because you know it's something she can use. Something she can use, not necessarily something she'll love!

Isn't that the whole point of gift giving? To wait in anticipation as the recipient opens your thoughtful gift that you spent a great deal of time finding? You watch their face as they tear open the box and look at their new gift in excitement!

And then they see...bubble bath! Frumph! :(

Well it doesn't have to be that way , and you don't have to spend oodles of your limited time searching the busy, packed malls. You don't have to park five football fields away from your destination and brave -5 degree wind chills to fight a crowd of people in the same aisle, because you're all there trying to find the perfect "norm" gift!

Come see us at Sarah's Flowers & Gifts!! We promise you'll find a huge selection of gifts that you won't find anywhere else!

We have so many handmade items: handpainted holiday stones, handpainted holiday wine bottles ( a very popular item), hand designed silk arrangements, handmade ornaments, I could go on and on and on and on :)

This holiday season, be sure to give someone what they want -- something they don't have!! When someone asks you what you want for Christmas, do you say "Well, I'd sure love a few more bottles of lotion to add to the twenty I have in the cupboard that I don't use because I don't want to go out in public smelling like a gingerbread cookie!" ?

And for the record, I love lotions and bubble baths!! In fact I am on my way to the mall to purchase some as a gift because that is what they told me they want. But I will dress it up a bit with a basket from the flower shop or maybe an ornament.

See! There's another great idea! Isn't it more fun to give bubble bath (if that is in fact the gift you are happily giving) presented in a beautiful basket with a keepsake ornament or christmas greens?

Don't forget -- flower shops aren't just great places to buy gifts -- you can also stock up on permanent silk flowers to use as accents for gift wrapping. Because as we all know, it's all about the wrap! :)

Merry Christmas to everyone and we hope all your Christmas shopping is going well. Don't forget too - take a few moments a day and remember what Christmas is all about. Because you can't spell Christmas without the first 5 letters!

We've got your Thanksgiving flowers!

The cooler is full of beautiful, autumn flowers for your Thanksgiving table!

How beautiful would a basket of fresh cut mums in fall shades of gold and burgundy look in the middle of your table surrounded by a wonderful meal you have just prepared?

Or if you're expecting company and your table is too full for flowers? How about a fresh cut vase or basket for the counter? We have them!

We have a large selection of centerpieces and arrangements in a variety of price ranges.

Looking to send flowers to loved ones in Manchester? We deliver!! Give us a call today! 563-927-8247

Gobble, gobble!

The holidays are upon us! It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is just days away!

This Thanksgiving as you gather with family and friends to give thanks for all the blessings you have in life, do it around a table adorned with beautiful flowers!

We spend so much time preparing and cooking a beautiful meal, that we forget to take the time to make sure the table is just as beautiful to compliment it.

But don't worry about having to put time and effort into that part -- leave it to us!

We'd love to create for you a fresh cut centerpiece for your dining table.

Have a special color in mind? Bring in a sample or idea and we'll match it the best we can.

We have a variety of styles and prices ranges for everyone's tastes and budget.

Make your holiday table that much more special this holiday season with flowers!

Pre-order yours today by calling 563-927-8247

Good Neighbor Society's Festival of Trees November 21 & 22nd

Mark your calendars to attend the Good Neighbor Society's Festival of Trees November 21 & 22nd at Saint Mary's Parish Center in Manchester.

There will be a variety of trees, wreaths, centerpieces and more on display for silent bidding.

There will also be a bake sale.

All proceeds of this event will go towards to construction of a new memory care unit at the Good Neighbor Home.

Sarah's Flowers & Gifts is available to help you create your donations. We have a large selection of christmas and holiday silks to make wreaths and centerpieces. Give us a call today for help! 563-927-8247

Above are a few pics of some pieces we have done. Sarah's Flowers & Gifts is donating a handpainted tree base with a "winter wonderland" themed decorated tree. Sarah's Flowers & Gifts also designed the donated "Christmas on the Farm" tree from Manchester Livestock. We are currently working on several other projects for customers for the festival.

Kick off the holiday season by attending the festival November 21 & 22nd at Saint Mary's Parish Center in Manchester.

'Tis the Season!

We have so many exciting things to share with you this week!!

First of all - It's Christmastime at Sarah's Flowers & Gifts!! We've just transformed the flower shop into Santa's workshop! It's filled to the brim with a great selection of unique gifts and holiday decor!

If you have a "hard to shop for person" on your list -- stop out to the flower shop and enjoy browsing our holiday shop while listening to Christmas carols.

And if you stop this weekend (November 5-7) you can enjoy extra savings! This weekend is the Manchester City Wide Christmas Open House. Sarah's Flowers & Gifts is offering 20% off all giftware storewide - this weekend only!! You can browse our new holiday merchandise while enjoying hot apple cider and treats!

Norfolk Pines are here! We've had lots of requests for them and they have finally arrived -- just in time for the holidays!! Take home one of these festive plants today!

We're also very happy to say that Sarah's Flowers & Gifts now accepts Discover card!! You can use you Discover, Mastercard, or Visa for your holiday purchases.

Our flower shop is buzzing with holiday excitement and we're very eager to show it to you! Put Sarah's Flowers & Gifts on your holiday shopping to-do list!!

We gather together...in 39 days!

Did you know that there are only 39 days until Thanksgiving? I know, I know - we haven't even made it to Halloween and here I am talking about Thanksgiving already!

But this year, get a head start on your holiday prep! You can place your order for any occasion any time of the year with us today! We'd love to help you check off a few things on the to-do list.

If you would like to get going with your Thanksgiving day centerpiece plans, give us a call to place your order and we'll keep it on file until that 3rd Wednesday in November when you are running around to the grocery store and home, and then back to the grocery store -- and then you think..."Thank goodness I pre-booked my centerpiece from Sarah's!!"

We also offer delivery! Give us a call today! 563-927-8247

What's fresh in the cooler this week?

It's beginning to feel like Fall outside! Maybe even a little bit like, dare I say, winter? Bring some Autumn coziness into your home with the help of Sarah's Flowers & Gifts!

Pick up some fresh cut fall mums in beautiful shades of bronze and rust. At $1.50 per stem, it's a great deal!

We have a large selection of fresh cut fall arrangements in the cooler in a variety of price ranges. From festive ceramic pumpkins to everyday baskets and vases - we've got something right for you! And if we don't - we'll make it! :)

Be sure to check out our other great selections as well! Unique gifts, balloons, green plants, and more!

Mark your calendars! The Manchester City wide Christmas Open House is November 5,6,7. Check back for speical hours, sales and more!

Good enough to eat!

What's the first thing you think of when you think of birthdays? Cake! :)

These scrumptious cakes are "fresh" out of the cooler and look good enough to eat.

What a great birthday gift! These cake shaped flower arrangements are the perfect way to say "Happy Birthday to you!".

We can custom design these cakes in a wide variety of colors.

It's sure to be a one of a kind gift that they will love!

Call us today for more information! 563-927-8247

Here comes the bride!

It's been a busy wedding season here at Sarah's Flowers & Gifts.

We'd thought we'd share a few pictures of some recent work we have done.

We can do full bridal party floral in both fresh and silk designs.

Getting married soon? Give us a call to help plan your special day! 563-927-8247

A break from the flower shop...

After a very busy week, we took a road trip up to Peck's Pumpkin Patch near Spring Green Wi.

If you are ever in that neck of the woods (it's near Gays Mills) be sure and check it out! They have a large market where you can buy apples, pumpkins, and lots of other goodies.

For the little ones there is a train ride, petting zoo, and lots of toys to play around on.

It was a great fall day! The weather could have cooperated a little better -- but we made due.

Thanks for letting me share a bit of my life outside the flower shop! ;)

"Spook"tacular Ideas!

With the coloful Autumn leaves falling and the colder weather approaching, that means Halloween is just around the corner.

I've enjoyed seeing all the wonderful Halloween decor starting to be displayed!

I found a website with some fun facts - http://www.halloweenstats.com/

For instance, did you know that Americans consumed 23.8 pounds of candy per person in 2008?

Or that major pumpkin producing states grew 1.1 billion pounds of pumpkins in 2008?

That's a lot of picking to be done!

Here at Sarah's Flowers & Gifts, we're all set for Halloween!

We have:

• Handmade fall lamps





• A spooky tree full of pumpkin lamps and jingle bell spiders





• Halloween Trees





• Jack'o Lantern flower arrangements





• And much more!

Stop by and see us today , or visit our homepage at http://www.sarahsflowersandgifts.com/

Facebook and Twitter

Don't forget --

You can follow Sarah's Flowers and Gifts on Twitter @flowersbysarah

Or become a fan on Facebook - Sarah's Flowers & Gifts

In addition to our blog we'll be posting new information and products on these networks.

New! Handmade and hand-painted stepping stones

Here are a few samples of our new stepping stones available at Sarah's Flowers & Gifts. These stones are hand poured by us in a variety of mold shapes. We then decorate the stones with hand-painted seasonal scenes, flowers, plants, and more! We can also customize!

These stones are perfect for:

• Memorial Tributes - we have a large selection of sympathy poems available
• Wedding/Anniversary Gifts - these stones can be personalized with a couple's name and/or wedding date
• Housewarming Gift - we can personalize the stones with house numbers!
• Inspirational gifts - we have some great new verses that we have been painting on stones for people facing a challenge in life.

Check back often or visit our flower shop website at www.sarahsflowersandgifts.com to see our full selection of stones! Any questions -- give us a call at 563-927-8247

Fresh from the patch!

We love fall!!! Personally, fall is my favorite season! I think it's because the days starting to get cooler and of course, the leaves start to change. But I think it's my favorite season because of what it seems to begin. Fall always gets the ball rolling on holiday decorating. And as fall days begin to start you know that Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner! Call me crazy - but do you realize that Christmas is now less than three months away??

How about this arrangement to kick off fall! Sarah's Flowers and Gifts is happy to offer these fresh cut flower arrangements that are made in a fresh pumpkin from a local patch! Send a little Autumn someone's way! 563-927-8247

We're blogging!

Hi everyone! Sarah's Flowers & Gifts is so excited to be communicating with you, our customers and colleagues , through this new medium!

It's been a great fall season and we have so much to share!

There's a lot of new things happening at Sarah's Flowers & Gifts and we look forward to telling you all about them in the blog.

This weekend we are at the Dyersville Quilt and Craft show at Dyersville Beckman High School. We have a full display of fall and christmas handmade crafts!

We've been busy creating new and exciting seasonal products at the flower shop. New this season are our hand-poured, hand-painted stepping stones. We've painted up pumpkin patches, falling leaves, and so much more!

As always we also carry fresh cut flowers, green plants and balloons.

Check back to our blog for more updates on what's happening at the shop.

And don't forget -- be sure to take a break in life to stop and smell the roses! :)