Alamo, CA Florists

Alamo Flower Shop News

2018 Best of the East Bay: Weddings

She encourages clients to bring in samples of their flowers, invitations, and even their wedding gown (if possible) to help her create a confection that matches the style of the event. Alamo and Oakland, katrina​rozelle​.com. —K.H.Bridal BoutiqueKinsley James Couture BridalThis chic bridal boutique elevates the experience of finding the perfect wedding gown. Owners Dawn Silva and Amber Haycock attend New York’s Bridal Fashion Week twice a year to hand select each of the luxe looks Kinsley James Couture Bridal sells. That means you’ll get to choose from the latest trends and fashions during your VIP appointment—a two-hour session that includes a mimosa bar with two bottles of champagne and bride-approved snacks for you and your bridal tribe, plus 10 percent off your purchase. The Kinsley James team can also help you find top-notch wedding vendors to make your nuptials perfect, offering recommendations for florists, event designers, photographers, and more. Walnut Creek, kinsley​james​.com. —K.H.Wedding PhotographerJosh IsaacsWhen Josh Isaacs documents an engagement or wedding, he’s not just taking a snapshot; he’s telling an intimate story about the couple. To capture the beauty of their love—and of all the moments that led them to their union—Isaacs puts his subjects at ease, allowing them to forget they’re even being photographed. “Engagement photos these days are much more than just ‘save the dates,’ ” Isaacs says. “They are a celebration.” Lafayette, jjisaacs.com. —K.H.Bachelorette Party Hot SpotEditor Pick: Tommy T’sBrides-to-be can enjoy some eye candy and Magic Mike–esque action at this intimate Pleasanton venue, which hosts shows like Hunks and Fifty Shades of Men several times a year. Ladies (and fellas, if they’re so inclined) are bound to enjoy a fun and flirty evening of burlesque entertainment, featuring seductive theatrics. So, don your best party gear, order a few drinks, and let loose. It’ll certainly make for a night to remember. Pleasanton, tommyts​.com/pleasanton. —A.S.Place for Prewedding PamperingEditor Pick: The Purple Orchid Wine Country Resort and SpaFeeling stressed before walking down the aisle? Unwind at this award-winning Livermore destination, where you can treat yourself to a relaxing massage, skin-brightening facial, or s... http://www.diablomag.com/July-2018/2018-Best-of-the-East-Bay-Weddings/

The smell of citrus flowers is intensely divine! - Moultrie Observer

Citrus need sunlight with 6 hours being ideal; however, lemons and limes can survive with less. Temperature is very more important. Most varieties tolerate light frosts; kumquats and calamondins are the hardiest and lemons and limes are the most susceptible. High temperatures promote sweet grapefruits, oranges, and tangerines.In cooler summer climates, give them full sun, plant against a hot south wall, or place them along a sunny patio that absorbs the heat and reflects it back to the plants. Also, consider citrus for hedges along the driveway or across the lawn. Placement near a patio or bedroom window provides an immediate sweet aroma in the spring. The smell of citrus flowers is intensely divine! And, citrus flowers are also a haven for butterflies.Shrubs and trees (such as the grapefruit, lemon, and orange) in the genus Citrus are evergreen, flowering plants usually with spines, leathery and aromatic leaves, and juicy edible fruits surrounded by a leathery aromatic rind. Citrus is a common term for these plants and there are two types (sweet and acid) that be grown in our landscapes for fruit and aesthetics. Environmental conditions, cultural practices, and pest activity can dictate the degree of success achieved in growing citrus in this area.The sweet types of citrus include grapefruit, mandarins and sweet oranges which grow into appealing, medium to large trees. Grapefruit do not withstand cooler temperatures very well. The farther the site is from the warm coastal areas, the more difficult they are to grow and survive. Redblush and Star Ruby (red fruit) and Marsh (white fruit) are seedless cultivars which are often planted with favorable success.  Royal and Triumph (white fruit) are seedy varieties that offer good fruit quality.The mandarin class of citrus has loose skin (easil... http://www.moultrieobserver.com/opinion/columns/the-smell-of-citrus-flowers-is-intensely-divine/article_aaacb9d8-69b4-11e7-8f6c-e35de16b27de.html

Davis' Work on Rose Parade Floats - Alamogordo Daily News

Joe.Richard Davis works on a Rose Parade float in Pasadena, California. (Photo: Courtesy Photo)Esther has been in the floral business for 38 years. She has owned flower shops in Florida and in Alamogordo, NM.  She currently does freelance work for weddings and other special events in the Cloudcroft area as EMD Designs and she is the current President of the NM State Florist Association. Esther is also very active in her community. She is a Past President of the Sparky’s Boot Fund and is currently on the board of the Cloudcroft Chamber of Commerce where she is the chairwoman for Mardi Gras, July Jamboree and Lumberjack Days.This year was Esther’s third year working on rose parade floats.“We work long hours and it is hard work, but it is also very, very rewarding,” she said.Esther’s husband Richard, is an excellent worker and all the crew chiefs want him on their team.It is always a treat to watch the parade each year on television. Most of us can only imagine what it would be like to see the parade in person and actually work on a float.Only natural material can be used to decorate the floats.  Flowers, fruits, mosses, grasses, spices and seed come from all over the world.“There were numerous semi- tractor trailers full of flowers of every type backed up to the huge hangers where the floats are assembled,” Esther said. “They were not only beautiful, but the aroma was amazing.”Plans have already begun for the 2018 Rose Parade.“If I leave it up to Richard, we will go back again this year to work on the floats,” Esther said.Read or Share this story: http://a-dnews.co/2k1Pc2X... http://www.alamogordonews.com/story/news/local/community/2017/01/18/davis-work-rose-parade-floats/96746954/

25 Things To Do For Valentine's Day in Dallas - D Magazine

One Night, the very romantic, very good 1934 Frank Capra film. The historic setting makes for a more memorable movie date night than you’ll get at almost any other theater.On Valentine’s Day, the Alamo Drafthouse is showing My Bloody Valentine, a movie that has the word “valentine” in its name but is not very good. You’d be better off going to the Alamo’s Valentine’s Day quote-along screening of The Princess Bride.The Texas Theatre is showing Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a great and honest film about the joys and horrors of love.The Granada’s hosting a show and a movie. The Sinatra-esque crooner Ricki Derek and his jazz band will serenade you before the theater throws Casablanca on the big screen.Bath House Cultural Center will host the annual El Corazon art exhibit, a showcase of pieces inspired by the heart. The show runs through March 5.The Dallas Arboretum is selling $5 admission tickets at the gate through Feb. 26. To feel both patriotic and romantic, visit the weekend of Feb. 14. For Presidents’ Day, active and retired military service members receive free admission, while patriotic music plays at the garden and vendors sling $1 hot dogs and $2 cherry pies.While you’re mixing holidays, you might as well celebrate the Chinese New Year at this massive celebration in the Dallas Arts District. The festivities, centered around the Crow Collection of Asian Art, include a full day of performances and art demonstrations culminating in a fireworks show.What did love sound like in the 1920s and 30s? Maybe something like the Singapore Slingers, the retro, pre-swing jazz ensemble performing a Valentine’s Day revue at Pocket Sandwich Theatre on Feb. 9.Single, and have a decent amount of disposable income to throw around? Bring a platonic wing-man or wing-woman to “The Friend Zone” singles’ night bash at The W on Feb. 13. You’ll find a cash bar, music, and presumably other single people after paying a $25 cover.Bring the whole family along to Klyde Warren Park for Hearts in the Park on Feb. 13. The all-day celebration has a Roaring 20s theme this year, so prepare yourself accordingly for a day of romance, jazz, and illicit drinking. You’ll find family-friendly activities, dancing, and other fun things to do. The park will show The Great Gatsby (the Leonardo DiCaprio one, we think) at 6:30 pm.Put on some couple’s cosplay and head to Dallas Comic Con: Fan Days at the Irving Convention Center on Feb. 13 and 14. Nothing says romance like hordes of people in costumes, celebrity panels, and various geek ephemera. Step up your selfie game and get a photo with costumed comic fans or stop by one of the celebrity Q&As at this spring edition of North Texas’ biggest nerd extravaganza. Guests this year include the stars of the Dukes of Hazzard.O... http://frontrow.dmagazine.com/2016/01/25-things-to-do-for-valentines-day-in-dallas-2016/

Airlines, rental cars, and flowers make the holiday Grinch list - ConsumerAffairs

I have spent almost $7-$8K on this trip and we can't go anywhere because we don't have our car which we had reserved 40 days ago," Rahul said.Things were no better over at Alamo, according to Ingrid of San Francisco."We rented a SUV three months ago to drive our 5 kids from SF to Park City, Utah. When we arrived to pick up the car, they said it was no more available because the car was broken (but they forgot to tell us about it)," Ingrid said. "As it is Christmas Day, they told 4 cars were available for us at the airport. We changed our reservation. When we arrived at the Alamo desk at the airport ($80 of taxi round trip), there was still no car for us and no other car available at the other rental companies. How can it be worse?"FlowersPhoto submitted by Marie-Claire"I ordered the white magnolia center piece as a Christmas gift for my parents," said Susan of Dansville, Mich., in a review of FromYouFlowers.com. "When we arrived Christmas Day I was very disappointed. There were no magnolia leaves or roses in the arrangement. They had been replaced with cheaper fill, pine and daisies. The candles were so short we had to blow them out before we were done with dinner."Steve of Bloomington, Ill., also chimed in about FromYouFlowers."I ordered a Snowman Surprises Holiday Campanula Plant $54.99 with a delivery charge of $19.99. I had to select a date for delivery from a calendar that would only allow certain dates to be chosen," Steve said. "I selected 12/24/15 for a delivery date. It was confirmed and I paid. Called today to see how my Mother enjoyed the flowers and she said NOTHING WAS DELIVERED!"JustFlowers.com made the Grinch list for Marie-Claire of Bruceton Mills, W.Va. "I ordered a gold/silver/white arrangement for my daughter's wedding anniversary, because I knew these colors were her theme this year. A RED and white one was delivered. My complaint to JustFlowers.com so far has only yielded a canned reference to their website indicating that substitutions were permitted," Marie-Claire said. "So far Customer Service is totally unresponsive. I will call a local florist in the future and order directly from a local business."All that glitters ...Ordering jewelry online works well sometimes. Other times ... well, not so much. "I ordered two identical necklaces and was told they would be shipped by 12/21 after the purchase," said Susan of Elkton, Md., in a review of The Bradford Exchange. "I called and called about the tracking information ... I was told they "will get there." On 12/23 we received one of the two and not the other. I called again and was told it was on its way. Today I looked up the order number and it says will be shipped by 2/06, 2016!"Kitchen calamitiesAll of these mishaps are fairly typical of the holidays, as are the sudden and unexpected failure of kitchen appliances that can lead to dinner disasters. And then there's the perennial problem of the disintgrating baking dish.Photo submitted by SherrySherry of Middleboro, Mass., was one of many consumers who discovered the phenomenon. "Today, I began slow roasting a pork shoulder in the oven. The temperature was at 300 and the dish had been in the oven for about 25 minutes," Sherry said. "I opened the oven door to see if I should add any liquid and the large baking dish shattered with such force that glass shards were stuck in my sweater and flew in all directions throughout the kitchen. There was no warning of the dish beginning to fail, just a loud shattering sound that was similar to someone throwing a glass onto the floor."... http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news/airlines-rental-cars-and-flowers-make-the-hollday-grinch-list-122715.html

Maui Obituary Notices: Week of July 29, 2018

Maui passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 22, 2018. Isabelle was born in Honolulu, HI on October 28, 1934, to John Frances and Edith Kalawai’a Chartrand. She retired from the State of California Department of Rehabilitation after 18 years. She was predeceased by her husband Royal Joseph Kainoa, Sr. She is survived by her children, Joyce Kuuipo Mandracken, Roy Ernest Kalaeloa Robins, Royal Joseph Kainoa, Jr., John Alan Kainoa, and David Kaipo Kainoa; grandchildren, Garrick, Damian, Joselyn, Joseph, Jessica, Kalaeloa, Ashley, Brandon, Kiana, & Kalei; great grandchildren, Braden, Neveigh, Jocelyn, Micah, Taylor, Terri, Jared, Braelyn, Keonilei, Tausili, Tasi, Onyx, Gracy, Emily and Kalaeloa; sister, Edith Kahoalii, and predeceased by brother Harold Chartrand. Also extended Chartrand Ohana.Visitation will be held at Norman’s Mortuary on Friday August 3, 2018 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. with service to begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial service will follow at Maui Veteran Cemetery at 1 p.m. Isabelle’s ‘Ohana would like to extend a special heart felt gratitude to the staff of Hospice Maui and Hale Makua Neighborhood C for their compassionate care of their mom during this time.Susan SchwabSusan SchwabDecember 16, 1953 – July 22, 2018In 1977, Suzie came to Maui to die. She had been diagnosed with Terminal Cancer of the Kidneys so she opened an Atlas, closed her eyes and pointed. Fate led her to Maui.The whole story is on the website of The Boo Boo Zoo, but alternative medicine and her love of nurturing animals gave her over 40 years of unexpected life. With her husband, Sylvan, they dedicated those years to establishing the life-saving work of the East Maui Animal Refuge. Suzie is survived by her loving & devoted husband, Sylvan J. Schwab; parents, Al & Jo Hawck; brother, Robert Hawck; and her children=hundreds of animals.Visitation will be held from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at Ballard Family Mortuary in Kahului with service to begin at 1 p.m. and burial to follow at 2 p.m. at Valley Isle Memorial Park.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations made in her memory to the East Maui Animal Refuge: 25 Maluaina Place, Haiku, HI 96708 Phone: 808-572-8308 www.eastmauianimalrefuge.org... https://mauinow.com/2018/07/29/maui-obituary-notices-week-of-july-29-2018/

Antique watering can made in Aesthetic style in 19th century

National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. (americanhistory.si.edu). The American Radio Archives at the Thousand Oaks Library Foundation in Thousand Oaks, California (thousandoakslibraryfoundation.org), has a collection of radio scripts, sound recordings and other materials. Contact these museums to see if either is interested in your collection.Q: I bought a bag of uniform buttons several years ago that have a crown in the middle and “Kent Constabulary” written around the edge. Some are shiny silver-tone metal and some are dark and hard. I can’t tell what the dark material is; it’s possible that it’s leather. The dark buttons are marked on the back “J.A. Grove & Sons, Halesowen.” The buttons are about ⅞ of an inch in diameter and have a shank on the back. A: The dark-colored buttons you have are horn buttons made by James Grove & Sons, a company started in Halesowen, England, in 1857, which became the largest button manufacturer in the United Kingdom. The company specialized in uniform buttons for police, military, post office and railroad workers, and was one of the world’s largest manufacturers of horn buttons. It made buttons for both the Union and Confederate armies during the American Civil War. James Grove & Sons went out of business in 2012. Some of the dies and pattern books were sold online and a new company, Grove Pattern Buttons, began making buttons in 2013. The business was closed by 2016. The Kent Constabulary is a police force established in Kent County, England, in 1857. It became the Kent Police in 2002. Kent Constabulary buttons are fairly common and sell online for about $1 to $5.Q: I have eight plates marked “Thomas, Bavaria.” They are about 13 inches in diameter. I have no clue what I have. Can you help me?A: Your large plates are service plates, which are used during the first course of a formal dinner under a smaller salad plate, appetizer or soup bowl. They were made by Porcelain Factory Thomas & Co., a factory started by Fritz Thomas in Marktredwitz, Bavaria, Germany, in 1903. The company became a subsidiary of Philip Rosenthal & Co. of Selb, Bavaria, in 1908. Most production moved to Speichersdorf in 1960. Thomas porcelain still is being made. You have part of a set of 12 service plates. A full set sells for $100 to $300. Just eight are worth $100.Tip: The more elaborate the interior fittings for a desk, the more valuable the piece.On the blockCurrent prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.Depression glass, cherry blossom, cake plate, pink, footed, Jeannette Glass Co., circa 1930, 10½ inches, $30.Doll, Madame Alexander, Sonja Henie, black dress, gold tirm on bottom and neck, ice skates, blonde hair, 1939, $120.Music box, jewelry, black forest, oak, ram, rocky ground, flowers, leaves, circa 1920, 13 by 7½ inches, $196.Copper cauldron, iron bail handle, rounded bottom, dovetailed, 1800s, 17 by 25 inches, $258.Lap desk, pine, mixed woods, reticulated brass mounts, hinged lids, ink wells, 1800s, 4 by 13 by 10 inches, $319.Fischer figurine, deer, with fawn, seated, green fishnet, white, gilt highlights, signed, 3½ by 5 inches, $393.Microscope, R & J Beck, brass, adjustable, inscribed London Hospital, Marie Celeste, circa 1900, 12 by 6 inches, $516.Vase, porcelain, blue, white, flowers, bands, birds, narrow neck, Chinese, 1¾ by 7 inches, $2,856.Sculpture, pottery, slab, black, gray, white drip, Jun Kaneko, 29 by 22 inches, $4,000.Vase, porcelain, puppy, seated, white, wavy fur, Jeff Koons, 17½ inches, $10,625. !-- div class="entry-... https://www.heraldnet.com/life/antique-watering-can-made-in-aesthetic-style-in-19th-century/

Couple says 'I do' to innovative, multi-tiered wedding business in Long Beach

Out of that thinking, f/8 Studios, a wedding collective, was borne.f/8 Studios opens this week, with a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the new business at 3764 Orange Ave., in California Heights.Besides Michael Farmer Photography and Marni’s So Smitten Special Events, the growing collective also includes Tempoe Entertainment disc-jockey service by Ryan Girgis and flowers by Melanie Ruth at Gingersnap Florals, with more vendors soon to come.“We wanted a space to work, and this was more space than we needed,” Michael, 37, said. “So we got in touch with some of our favorite people to work with, local people who also work out of their houses and go above and beyond for our clients.”Now, with a slideshow of wedding photos playing on a loop in the background, the Farmers greet clients in a polished lobby that doubles as a photography studio and smells like the florist shop operating in the next room.They decorated the studio themselves, transforming a formerly tired-looking office space by using their combined artistic skills, honed from their time shared in the wedding world as well as previous work as theater set and lighting designers.The result is a welcoming win-win opportunity for the boutique business owners and clients. Discounts are available for customers who decide to book package deals with more than one vendor in the one-stop-shop-style collective.“We’re excited to have a serene space to welcome our clients for meetings and planning sessions,” Marni, 34, said. “We love being centrally located in Long Beach, halfway between our Los Angeles and Orange County clients.”Michael added: “We’re also looking forward to all of the opportunities t... http://www.presstelegram.com/couple-says-i-do-to-innovative-multi-tiered-wedding-business-in-long-beach

California Bud Company: Farm Fresh Flowers, Cultivating Happiness

Gelato mimics its namesake of ultra-creamy, Italian-style ice cream to a T.  It's uncanny how much a name can mimic a cannabis strain and vice versa. I fully believe that the California Bud Company's strain named Guava Kush should taste like the freshly picked tropical fruit, because those specific Terpenes (the aromatics that influence our experience) evolve into more than just a metaphor for aromatics and sophistication. Lemon Sugar Kush is brightly refreshing, with lemon and beeswax oils on the nose, leading into pools of molten candy sugar upon the exhale. Each pull slowly introducing deeply mysterious notes of diesel fuel, male cat and even splashes of crushed Concord Grapes. This strain beats back body and mind pain with great alacrity!... https://www.forbes.com/sites/warrenbobrow/2018/07/16/california-bud-company-farm-fresh-flowers-cultivating-happiness/