Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day!

Today is a special day that recognizes those hard workers and talented individuals that may work for you! That’s right -- March 1st is Employee Appreciation Day. Our blog post offers a bit of background on this day as well as some ideas for showing your staff just how much you appreciate what they do for you! All about Employee Appreciation Day When researching where Employee Appreciation Day got started, there does not seem to be much about it. The only potential link is that of Boss’s Day in which it was decided there needed to be day to celebrate Employees if there was going to be a day devoted to Bosses. Since so many organizations and companies are beginning to realize that employees are everything to their success, more are taking up this day as a way to recognize and reward them in hopes of keeping them! Ways to Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day When it comes to celebrating your staff, there are many things you can do with this day, including making it into an entire week of recognition. Here are some great ideas that you can throw together for today or think about for next year: Have a company party or picnic with a free lunch. Bring in a team of wellness experts to pamper the staff with massages. Offer incentives, prizes, or gifts for all the staff. Give out certificates and plaques for various achievements. Ask staff what they would like to do on their special day (or week!). Ideas for Employee Appreciation Day Gifts Gifts are also a great way to celebrate Employee Appreciation Day. Just remember to include a nice note that expresses how much they mean to you! We have a number of ideas that [...]

2013-03-01T22:28:02+00:00March 1st, 2013|Categories: Employee Appreciation|Tags: , , , , |Comments Off on Celebrate Employee Appreciation Day!

The Proper Gift for a Holiday Host or Holiday Hostess

Chances are this holiday season you will find yourself at a holiday party or two -- maybe more. These parties, whether mature and classy or with endings that mirror a crazy night, had a host or hostess that put a lot of thought and effort into the event. Whether it is a group or individual who slaved away for hours in an attempt to make everything perfect and right at their holiday party, if you have already gone or have yet to go, then be sure to find a way to thank them properly. There are many ways to do this though most typically one brings a gift of sorts to the party for the host or hostess. At Allen’s Flowers and Plants, we have a few of the perfect gifts in mind. Selecting the Right Gift You don’t want to come off wrong when giving a gift to a host or hostess. For the hostess, the gift should not be intimate but more of something along the lines of casual. We’ve put together a few good host or hostess gift ideas below to make it a bit easier for you: Wine is a fine gift and can be quite affordable. This drink is obviously for an adult hostess and if you plan ahead you can pick up a bottle that helps complement the meal that will be served at the party. Wine is fine but liquor is quicker. Seriously though at some party bringing a bottle of the hostess’s favorite poison is sure to make her smile. Of course, not all gifts have to be so adult. Chocolate makes a great gift too. Just about everyone loves chocolate and so for the most part you really can’t go wrong with [...]

2012-12-24T18:40:51+00:00December 24th, 2012|Categories: Gifts|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on The Proper Gift for a Holiday Host or Holiday Hostess

A Lighthearted Election: It’s Time to Vote and Agree to Disagree

Is it fantasy to believe that a lighthearted presidential election could be at all possible? Perhaps you might think so, but it wasn’t that long ago it seems that people went around having a little more respect for others and their beliefs. Before, it seemed to us that, while we all might have in the end sided with one side or another, most of the time we stood in the middle supporting various parts of each political party. It seems impossible for one side to just go and get everything right. So, yes it is safe to say that a more lighthearted Election Day is very much an achievable effort. We All Have Views It is important to remember that every one of us has our own views and is entitled to our own opinions on all matters and on goings in this country and its politics. Just because someone thinks differently or votes for one party over another, it does not mean they are the ‘enemy’; they are a person too and, just like you, they have their reasons. As we close in on Election Day, chances are you are going to continue to see more and more people expressing their views on these matters and they may not be your own. Just remember to be polite about it and hope that your emphasis on kindness and respect rubs off on them as well and just maybe Election Day will be a little less tense. It’s Just a Day, But Make it Count! At Allen’s Flowers and Plants, we want to stress this in a couple of ways. Try not to get so worked up over the elections. Cast your vote (please vote responsibly) and then wait it out to [...]

2012-11-05T17:24:45+00:00November 5th, 2012|Categories: Elections|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on A Lighthearted Election: It’s Time to Vote and Agree to Disagree

The Sweetest Day of the Year

The Sweetest Day is a day about being kind to those less fortunate, being sweet just to be sweet. The Sweetest Day is celebrated the 3rd Saturday of October, but do we really need a designated day to show some kindness? At Allen’s Flowers and Plants, we hope that it isn’t the case. After all, we believe that, while a designated day of being sweet is just the right medicine for the world, all of us as a whole should at least try to make a difference and make a stranger smile today or tomorrow and perhaps everyday this year. A Little Kindness Goes a Long Way The Sweetest Day was started in the 1920s, and it was celebrated by the committee who started it that handed out thousands of candies and sweets to those less fortunate. Over the years, it has evolved some into a holiday about giving a little something to those you love in an effort to show them just how much they mean to you. So, this sweetest day or any day really, a little something for someone special can really brighten their days. Because the truth is we never really know how a little kindness could affect someone we love or a stranger. Celebrate Kindness On this day, why not get a few little things for the ones you love? Remember that an honest gift expects nothing in return. The people you care for probably care for you too, but they may not know about the Sweetest Day. So what better a way to show them, than to get them a little something sweet? Great gifts for Sweetest Day include: Candy, of course, as there are hundreds if not thousands of brands and pretty much everyone [...]

2012-10-29T18:28:09+00:00October 29th, 2012|Categories: Sweetest Day|Tags: , , , |Comments Off on The Sweetest Day of the Year

Celebrating Yom Kippur: Seeking Atonement

Yom Kippur is a Jewish holiday that is very important in the Hebrew culture. It is a day set aside to seek atonement for sins, and it is often used as a time of reflection and even preparation. Gifts are sometimes given on this holiday as well, but in truth it is a holiday reserved for fasting and spirituality. By tradition though, it actually starts the day before; even though only the day of is referred to as Yom Kippur. History on Traditions Whether you are a devout to the Jewish faith, stepping up to take your heritage and religion more seriously, or just a curious onlooker, there is a lot to learn and take home from Yom Kippur. Referred by some as a holiday and others as just a tradition, this day at its core is about seeking forgiveness and atoning for ones sins; against god and man. So it starts the day before, as the fast begins at sundown it is critical to get morning prayers and afternoon prayers done earlier than usual. Then, when the feast comes, one should only eat easily digested foods that are not salty. These two things will help you to survive the fast without eating or drinking. The fast begins at sundown and from this point on you cannot eat or drink anything, seek atonement with god through prayer and asking forgiveness. Atonement with man though is sometimes not as easy. In the past when villages were small and everyone knew everyone it was a little easier to hunt down the man you wronged and apologize hoping for his forgiveness. Now though in the large society that we live in, this is a little harder to do. While those living more traditionally might [...]

2012-09-18T03:41:13+00:00September 18th, 2012|Categories: Yom Kippur|Tags: , , , , |Comments Off on Celebrating Yom Kippur: Seeking Atonement

Check Out the San Diego Bay Fair

Allen’s Flowers and Plants is cordially inviting you, your friends, and your family to come check out the annual San Diego Bay Fair, which is held for one weekend only -- September 14-16. With dozens of awesome attractions for the whole family and more food and vendors than one could ever hope for, the San Diego Bay Fair has a little something for everyone. It has been recently announced that, for the first time ever, the San Diego Bay Fair will be open to the general public free of charge. Of course, some rides, venues, shows and camping spots will still cost money, but all in all take a day and head on out to check out just what the San Diego Bay Fair is all about. Get Your Feet Wet Ever want to drive a speed boat? Well, why they aren’t quite offering that, but you should be sure to check out the H1 series of boat racing that now has confirmed seven new classes, including the National Guard’s team. One isn’t enough though -- the Lucas Oil Drag boat series is going to be there, too. With over 100 of some of the meanest and leanest of watercraft neck and neck with each other for the prize, it will surely entertain and astonish all you spectators. Family Fun for Everyone The San Diego Bay Fair has many great attractions from vendors like us as well as a wide range of different types of food. And, we all know that everyone loves fair food. If you like rides, then you should know that the fair has got those too. All are under $5.00 and many are free -- perfect for kids and adults alike. Of course, food, thrills, and fun [...]

2012-09-10T16:56:03+00:00September 10th, 2012|Categories: San Diego Events|Tags: , , , , , , |Comments Off on Check Out the San Diego Bay Fair

Allen’s Flowers and Plants: Proudly Serving San Diego Neighborhoods for 30 Years

At Allen’s Flowers and Plants, we believe in supporting the local flavor, which is why we have been family owned and operated with multiple locations in the San Diego area for thirty years now. We believe in supporting the community and show it by being a part of local events and even have a few blogs detailing them. San Diego is a big place -- it’s a giant city with multiple towns all around it, but even as big as we have grown, San Diego is still a community at heart. At Allen’s Flowers and Plants, we hope that never changes and intend to continue to sew roots with the fine San Diego community. Family Owned and Operated We are a family owned and operated flower shop that specializes in custom floral design and arrangements. At Allen’s Flowers and Plants, we know how important it is for our customers to not just feel like another customer, but to feel like family. This is one of the many reasons we have stayed family run over the years. Our family extends beyond the ownership and staff;  we treat our customers as family as they move the most to us and are the reason we are in business. Only the Freshest and most Select Choices When you go into a grocery store for produce or meat, you don’t settle for a bruised apple or the cut that is mostly bone and fat. Here we feel the same and that is why we only have and will only deal with the local growers. By dealing only with them, we not only get the first and freshest flowers and plants for our arrangements, but we also support the local economy as well. We believe in nurturing [...]

2012-08-21T16:19:12+00:00August 21st, 2012|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Allen’s Flowers and Plants: Proudly Serving San Diego Neighborhoods for 30 Years

Welcoming Mom and Baby Home with Flowers and Gifts

A new baby is a beautiful thing, and bringing baby home is one of those memories that will last a lifetime. It’s great to be out of the hospital and home so you can tuck your wee little one into that nursery you’ve been fussing over for months. You know that there will be lots of family and friends to stop by and coo over the new bundle. And, you know that both of you will be tired and even overwhelmed.  Great Gifts To help the new mom, dad and, of course, the baby, the young nubile couple has a lot of new things on their plate, but there are things you can get them to help them along. Flowers and other indoor plants have been proven to promote cleaner air and relieve stress not to mention they had beauty to the home and brighten the atmosphere. Another great gift item to consider when you stop by to see the growing family is gift baskets full of treats, fresh fruit, and snacks and maybe even coffee or tea to help with the lack of sleep. There are also gift baskets with relaxing spa products to help mom get a moment or two of relaxation and pampering that she can enjoy after many sleepless nights or days where she cannot get out of the house to get pampered at the salon or spa. You might even want to put together a mom and dad survival kit or gift them with certificates where they can have a meal delivery service for a week or send them a week of home cooked meals to help them out. Certificates for housecleaning or other services can also help the new family that may not have figured [...]

2012-07-23T18:44:43+00:00July 23rd, 2012|Categories: Baby|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Welcoming Mom and Baby Home with Flowers and Gifts

Some History, Some Fun, and Some Pop Culture: It’s Hot Dog Month!

They say America's favorite pastime is baseball and we can certainly see why. After all, they serve hot dogs there. Everybody (other than vegans who might also consider a vegan hot dog for that matter) loves hotdogs. It's the family fun food for adults and children alike. During the summer it is the most eaten food. Pan fried, boiled and, of course, barbequed, there are many ways to eat them and many more ways to dress them. Ketchup, mustard, relish, onions, salt, pepper and even bacon -- with hotdogs the possibilities are endless, making them the perfect food for any and all summer cookouts. This month, the hot dog is honored the whole month long across the U.S. during hot dog month. A Hot Dog History Everyone’s favorite mystery meat has an origin story and no it's not from a dog’s tail. In reality, the name was thought up by a comic artist in 1901. After finding it difficult to spell 'dachshund Sausage,’ he called them hot dogs instead, and the name stuck.  The Family Favorite The hot dog is loved by many, but many are not sure exactly what’s in a hot dog. In the past, it was scraped together meat tube and while that is still true to some degree, the family favorite is much healthier now. There are many versions of the hot dog now with turkey, chicken, and kosher versions being the favorites. They are being made with leaner meats and by law are only allowed to contain 3% of what is called non-meat, which serves as fillers like milk or soy in for nutrition purposes. The hot dogs are the most popular summer food and a favorite at almost every barbeque but the favorite time to [...]

2012-07-09T20:39:53+00:00July 9th, 2012|Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , , , , , |Comments Off on Some History, Some Fun, and Some Pop Culture: It’s Hot Dog Month!

Treat Yourself or Someone Else to the Sunny San Diego Flower Arrangement

Summers's here and with it comes brighter days full of sun and warmth. While we have the sun and the beaches in San Diego, we also have the heat to remind us of the season. Though a warm summer day with a nice sea breeze is always something to look forward to, something else to look forward to is all of your friends and coworkers’ summer birthdays. It always seems like birthdays come grouped together, so it can become a bit stressful to recognize them all despite all the party fun that usually comes with them. However, there are some great flower arrangements waiting for you that offer brightness and warmth for all those birthday wishes without breaking the bank! Summer Birthday Flower Arrangements and Goodies Our floral design team across all of our San Diego locations has been busy creating some special summertime floral arrangements dedicated to our loyal San Diego customers and that can offer a way to send the special summer feeling found in San Diego to those unlucky to not live here.    For example, we now offer the Sunny San Diego flower arrangement.  This San Diego inspired floral arrangement is a beautiful, hand cut bouquet that uses only the freshest available flowers and in the most vibrant of colors. The arrangement is sure to brighten anyone's day and life, a gift that everyone without a pollen allergy will absolutely love. Available in three beautifully crafted sizes and offering support to any budget, the Sunny San Diego flower arrangement makes the perfect gift for birthdays, get well messages, baby showers or just for someone looking to treat themselves to something unique and special. There are also some other great San Diego inspired floral designs that feature local flowers [...]

2012-06-25T18:12:20+00:00June 25th, 2012|Categories: Birthday|Tags: , , |Comments Off on Treat Yourself or Someone Else to the Sunny San Diego Flower Arrangement
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