GREAT ADVERTISING!!!

http://www.henryclaymotorsports.com/misc/files/cardsareimportanttowoman.wmv

GIFT BASKETS

Why not send a gift basket?

Every gift basket prepared at Gigi's is personalized and we give much attention to detail. We can custom-tailor a basket with a special item you may supply such as a bottle of wine. There are no limits to a gourmet baskets.

Houseguest or a corporate client from out of town, we can combine local newpapers, Montreal bagels, some smoked meat, maple treats, tickets to a show...

Baby gift baskets, pyjamas, booties, bibs, blankies, plush animals, books, 100% natural products for Mom and baby...

The chocolate obsessed, cookies, chocolate flavored coffee, chocolate covered nuts, assortment of chocolate bars (imported or not) chocolate wafers, truffles, hand made chocolates, hot chocolate, liqueur filled chocolates, recipe book....

Coffee and/or tea basket, combine a variety of coffee and or tea with biscuits or chocolate, a teapot, a bodum, travelling mug...

Gifts for her, candles, bath products, sweet treats, teas, gardening products...

Gifts for him, sport theme, barbecue theme, beer and nut basket, fishermans basket...

Get well soon, cosy blanket, fruit, healthy snacks, teas, scones, soothing music...

Wine and cheese...

Fruit baskets, from everyday to exotic

Sympathy basket, express your sympathy through a gift basket filled with comfort foods.

For the gourmet, smoked salmon, cheeses, crackers, only the best chocolate, premium nuts, gourmet coffees and teas, decadent cookies, wine or port...

Gift and gourmet baskets are suitable for all occasions. Whether you wish to express appreciation to a valued client, associate or employee or to send good wishes to a friend or family member a gift basket will be appreciated and long remembered.

The elegant PHALAENOPSIS ORCHID

Phalaenopsis are among the most popular orchids sold as potted plants. In your home they can last two to three months. In nature they are typically fond of warmer temperatures (20 to 35 °C) but are adaptable to cooler conditions (15 to 30 °C). At temparetures below 18 °C watering should be reduced to prevent root rot. Phalaenopsis requires high humidity (60-70%) and low light. Phalaenopsis prefer to be potted in fir bark which drains well. Overwatering and poor drainage causes the roots to deterioriate and therefore kills the plant. Light is vital to the well being of your plant. Keep it in indirect sunlight near a southern window. Direct sunlight will cause brown spots on the leaves. The green point at the end of the root signifies that it is actively growing, do not cut them! When the last flowers loses it's color, cut the stem halfway down. Continue caring for your orchid with a high nitogen fertilizer at 1 teaspoon per gallon of water and wait for a possible rebloom. (you may lucky to have it bloom up to twice a year)

Source Wikipedia, online encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phalaenopsis

LET'S GET MARRIED bridal show

January 6 and 7th marks the "Let's get married" bridal show at

Place Bonaventure.

Wedding flowers are one of the most important elements to tie everything together on your wedding day. Besides the brides dress, your flowers will have most guest talking.

Finding a florist If you do not already have a florist you should ask family and friends if they can recommend a professional. Visit as many florist as you wish until you feel comfortable with the designer you eventually choose. Floristry is art and art is in the eye of the beholder.
Look around the shop, do you like what you see? Are the flowers in the display cooler fresh? Is your designer honest about what he/she can provide for your wedding? (beware of those who make too many promises) Is the shop well decorated, clean, organized?

Ask to see photographs of previous work

Do your research and come prepared
If possible bring a photo of the wedding dress and the bridesmaids dresses along with color swatches. Go through many magazines and books and bookmark anything you like such as colors, textures, specific flowers and containers. Your florist should be receptive to your ideas and your vision but keep in mind that many magazines promote very expensive arrangements and as well as wedding bouquets made with some of the most delicate flowers that would not last through your big day, your florist is there to advise you.
Think of your budget before you visit any potential florists. The possibilitites are endless and without a budget the florist and yourself will be left in the dark.

Be prepared to answer the following questions:

How many bouquets do you need

How many corsages (for Mothers, Grandmothers, Godmothers and any other special guest) if possible find out the color of their dresses as well.

How many boutonnieres (for Fathers, Grandfathers, Godfathers, groomsmen, ushers, and any other special guest)

How many centerpieces will you need (know approximately how many guest will be attending and how many seat at each table)

Do you need any other arrangements for the church or the rehearsal dinner, for the brides house entryway or restroom, for the gift table or cake table....

Know the prominent colors of the venue site so that the flowers don't clash with the decor

What's your budget

When should you book your florist

A general guideline is 6-8 months before your wedding date.

On a final note make sure you sign a contract and review the contract a couple of weeks before the wedding date to make sure that delivery times and adresses have not changed, advide your florist of any changes as soon as possible.

CHRISTMAS TREE FAQ

Before choosing your Christmas tree you should decide where you would like to put it. Your selected space should be as far away as possible from any heat sources (TV's, fireplaces, radiators and air ducts). Clear out the space and measure the maximum width and height for your tree. Also you should measure your tree stand to determine the maximum allowable diameter for your tree trunk. Do not forget to take into consideration the height of your treetop decoration.

There are several different types of trees to consider choose the one that your heart and Christmas spirit desires.

Choosing a fresh tree could take some time. Choose the greenest tree with the least brown needles (some trees have been colored before shipping and this seems to be becoming common practice). Shake a branch or raise it and let it fall back down, if green needles fall to the ground the tree may be dehydrated. You can also run your hand down a branch, the needles should stay on the branch and not in your hand! Some trees have excellent needle retention such as the Fraser Fir and the Balsam Fir (both available in Quebec). Avoid trees that are wilted or have a greyish blue/green look. Look for any unusual brittleness or stiffness of the trees limbs, it may be an indication that the tree was cut a long time ago.

Caring for your tree

If the tree has been cut for over 4 hours you will need to recut 1 inch off the butt and place it immediately in fresh tap water (no additives are needed). Always keep the tree in water or resin will form over the cut end and it will no longer be able to drink (the tree needs up to/more than a gallon of water a day). A fresh tree if properly cared for should last at least 4-5 weeks before it starts drying out.

Buying "green"

Today most Christmas trees (about 98%) are grown on tree farms , which benefit and harm the environment. While Christmas trees grow, they replenish the air with oxygen; just one acre of Christmas trees produces enough oxygen to support eighteen people. Tree farms provide habitat for birds and other wildlife. However, pesticide use on Christmas tree farms could be decreased or eliminated for even greater environmental benefits. Due to their hardiness, Christmas trees are often planted where few other plants grow, thereby increasing soil stability. For each Christmas tree cut on tree farms, 2 or 3 new seedlings are planted.

PLEASE RECYCLE YOUR TREE!!! http://www.ipm.iastate.edu/ipm/hortnews/1994/12-9-1994/xmas.html
Christmas trees are not eco-friendly when they are discarded with regular trash and end up landfilled or incinerated. Landfilling takes up space, and incineration pollutes the air. Do not burn them in your trash, this causes air pollution and creosote buildup.

Buy a tree with roots and plant it!

Planting a tree is a the best way to reverse the global warming effect (claims the EPA). Trees clean the air and provide clean oxygen in return.

BUYING AND CARING FOR YOUR POINSETTIA

Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima- translates into "the most beautiful euphorbia," ) is a shrub belonging to the spurge or Euphorbiaceae family.

FICTION!

Poinsettia Plants Are Poisonous And Should Be Kept Away from Children and Pets

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/p/poinsettias.htm

Over 65 million plants are sold every holiday season in the United States alone.
Poinsettias are native to Mexico
December 12th is National Poinsettia Day marking the death of Joel Roberts Poinsett, who is credited in introducing the plant to the United States in 1825.
There are over 100 varieties of poinsettias
80% of poinsettias are purchased by women
74% consumers prefer the traditional red color

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR POINSETTIA

Choose a plant with dark green foliage down to the soil line.

Choose bracts (modified leaves) that are completely colored.

Do not purchase poinsettias with a lot of green around the bract edges.

Do not choose plants with fallen or yellowed leaves

The poinsettia should look full, balanced and attractive from all sides

The plant should be 2 1/2 times taller than the diameter of the container

Choose plants that are not drooping or wilting.

Do not purchase plants that are displayed in paper or plastic sleeves. Plants held in sleeves will deteriorate quickly and likely get root rot.

Do not purchase plants that have been displayed or crowded close together. Crowding can cause premature bract loss

Check the plant’s soil. If it’s wet and the plant is wilted, this could be an indication of root rot

Check the poinsettia’s maturity. Check the true flowers which are located at the base of the colored bracts. If the flowers are green or red-tipped and fresh looking the bloom will "hold" longer than if yellow pollen is covering the flowers

When you take the poinsettia home, be sure to have it sleeved or covered when outdoor temperatures are below 50°F.
The length of time your poinsettia will give you pleasure in your home is dependent on (1) the maturity of the plant, (2) when you buy it, and (3) how you treat the plant. With care, poinsettias should retain their beauty for weeks and some varieties will stay attractive for months.

AFTER YOU HAVE MADE YOUR POINSETTIA SELECTION

Make sure it is wrapped properly because exposure to low temperatures even for a few minutes can damage the bracts and leaves.

Unwrap your poinsettia carefully and place in indirect light. Six hours of light daily is ideal. Keep the plant from touching cold windows.

Keep poinsettias away from warm or cold drafts from radiators, air registers or open doors and windows.

Ideally poinsettias require daytime temperatures of 60 to 70°F and night time temperatures around 55°F. High temperatures will shorten the plant’s life. Move the plant to a cooler room at night, if possible.

Check the soil daily. Be sure to punch holes in foil so water can drain into a saucer. Water when soil is dry. Allow water to drain into the saucer and discard excess water. Wilted plants will tend to drop bracts sooner.

Do not fertilize when it is in bloom.