Tag: gifting

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Entertaining Summer Style: Finds For Your Table

Memorial Day. Fourth of July. Labor Day. Three holiday weekends that are classic summer entertaining opportunities. You can almost feel the excitement building in the air as the dates approach. Our Nations colors become part of our home and tablescape design. Fly your flag high and break out the Red, White & Blue with these #SummerStyle Entertaining picks we think are must haves for your next gathering.

#SummerStyle Entertaining Product Round Up via @AnAppealingPlan #celebrateeveryday #memorialday #fourthofjuly #laborday 760x2000

PRODUCT LISTING + BUYING INFORMATION:

1} Lobster Cocktail Napkins by Caspari available via PaperStyle ~ $5

2} Red & White Star Paper Straws by Shop Sweet LuLu ~ $4

3} Red Rustic Serving Tray by FasProjects ~ $80

4} Blue Striped Melamine Plates by West Elm ~ $6

5} Red Bikini Tags by AnAppealingPlan for Etsy ~ $6

Do you have a special platter or tablecloth you bring out for your summer table? Tell us about it in the comments! Like + Share using the buttons below and be sure to sign up for everything AnAppealingPlan.com to your inbox using the form below. Happy Summer!

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A Reason to Bake Cupcakes!

After seeing these cupcake liners I might even take out the apron and make some Valentines Day Cupcakes.

Shop Sweet Lulu – Solids, Stripes, Polkadot. Made from the highest quality greaseproof paper, these baking cups are bakeable up to 450 degrees F. Each liner measures 2″ across the base, and 1.25″ tall.

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Bright and Sunny Thank You

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I was recently asked to create a floral arrangement as a Thank You to a business who works with companies to build and market their brands. So what choice did I have but to create something that matched THEIR brand. Considering the environment that the arrangement will eventually be placed in should be a factor in the color and style of the final arrangement. ~ kf.

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Gardening: INside or OUT. WoollyPockets Are the Answer.

Now thats a Focal Point

What is a WoollyPocket??

“Garden Shed DreamingWoolly Pocket was founded in 2008 by brothers Miguel & Rodney Nelson. …out of a personal need for a simple, DIY-consumer friendly system for gardening vertically, not yet available on the market. …they invented the breathable Woolly Pockets with internal moisture control that are made from recycled plastic bottles in USA. Now, the Nelson brothers are turning the gardening industry down side up. And the Woolly Pocket family is also helping millions of students learn nutrition and gardening through their Woolly School Garden program by creating a living garden classroom for students K–12.”

I have seen them for sale and have wanted a space to use them. Currently living with out the garden space of my dreams I have decided to bring it inside, and plan on placing them in my bathroom as well as master bedroom. Stay tuned for

Now thats a Focal Point

my progress as I continue my 2012 plans!

The images are just a few examples of how you can use them as well as the full description of how they are made.

Happy Growing! kf.

Perfect for any area indoors or outdoors where moisture protection and water conservation is desired.

1. HANGS SIMPLY Wally has easy fasteners and anchors that work on masonry, drywall, sheetrock, wood and metal walls. Hardware included.

2. SMART WATERING Water Wally’s back panel (the tongue) with a wine bottle or a long spout watering can. Wally’s tongue wicks water down directly to the roots. This conserves water and promotes plant health.

3. AUTOMATIC WATERING For larger installations, insert optional drip irrigation behind Wally’s tongue.

 4. PROTECTS WALLS Military-grade moisture barrier ensures that your walls stay dry.

5. SELF WATERING Reservoir allows tongue to continue wicking water to the roots.

6. STRONG, HEALTHY ROOTS Breathable felt allows moisture to evaporate and allows plants to air prune.

7. ECO-FRIENDLY Made from 100% recycled plastic bottles (PET).

Happy Growing! kf.

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Not Just a Pretty Face.

Officially the holidays are over and your probably “not eating this” or “only a bite of that” but the reality of our uber-social lives is that most of us will either entertain at our homes this weekend, be invited somewhere for a party or simply meet friends for a congratulatory meal. And as Ms Emily Post says we should always bring something for the host (and put out the best for our guests…). Well I have found, and am now ready to share, what will now be your house chocolates and signature hostess gift.

Viktoria Richards Chocolates are more that just a pretty face. The most beautiful chocolates you will ever see are also some of the tastiest treats you will ever have.

“At Viktoria Richards Chocolates we introduce our customers to the traditional methods of chocolate making. By traditional, we mean, chocolates that are prepared daily, in small hand-made batches, with no preservatives. Our chocolates are created using only the finest French and Belgian chocolate, freshest creams, nuts, and fruits.”

Although based in the Tampa Bay Metro area VR Chocolates will ship anywhere. ANYWHERE. They will also work with businesses to creat gifts for your clients, even placing your logo on the perfect little squares.

Victoria and her husband Richard work non-stop marketing and producing these wonderfully appealing morsels. {I did drag her out for a coffee this week. And look forward to many more coffee chats in the future.} Visiting the shop is totally worth it, however, if you are in the Tampa Bay area you will find them in various boutiques and shops scattered throughout the area. Including but not limited to: CRU Cellars, Te Bella Tea Shop, FIG, Eds Fine Wines

Pretty + Tasty = An Appealing Plan

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Trend: Healing Charcoal

I LOVE everything at terrain {an unbeliveable garden & home shop in Glenside, PA. They are also planning on a second shop in Westport, CT in 2012} and pretty much want to just live there full-time. I receive their twitter updates, facebook posts and company emails. I usually dreamily look at them wondering how I can recreate the product or look for my home, but this was different and definitely in-line with my January 2012 “new beginning / grow” feeling.

They have brought in a line of products by  MORIHATA International Ltd. Co., {a Japanese design /culture / lifestyle producer and distribution company located in Philadelphia, PA}, which made me stop and add to my cart and buy it right away. The entire Binchotan Charcoal collection includes towel, pumice stones, facial soap, and more. The claim is “Binchotan charcoal is believed to have a multitude of beneficial effects. Whether used dry or wet to absorb chemicals in tap water, enhance blood circulation in a hot bath, stimulate healthy soil in the garden, or balance negative ions in your home, Binchotan charcoals are a natural way to boost overall wellness.” I am starting with the charcoal sticks bag to see how it goes. I will be waiting for my package in the mail and looking forward to my first energizing bath!

The below information is a combination of details from both their sites.

“Kishu Binchotan is known for the best quality charcoal for purifying water and air.  Binchotan charcoal is activated through an extremely high burning temperature and rapid cooling process.  Because of the micro cavities walls, Binchotan absorbs chlorine and other chemicals from tap water while releasing natural minerals into it.  Binchotan has an alkaline effect (PH Level 8 – 8.5), it soften and improve the overall taste of water.  Bichotan can be re-use it up to around 3 months.   It can be recycled it by breaking it small pieces place into your plant soil for creating micro water and air cavities in the soil.

Best Uses for Binchotan

1. To purify drinking water, add 1/4 pound of Binchotan to a pitcher of tap water. The charcoal will help release ions to increase the water’s pH, release natural minerals, and absorb chemicals.

2. Add Binchotan to a pot of cooking rice to emit infrared rays that will help retain the taste of the rice, absorb any chlorine in the water, and release natural minerals.

3. For a purifying bath, add approximately one pound of Binchotan to hot bathwater. Infrared rays emitted by the charcoal will help enhance blood circulation and keep the body warm and relaxed long after the bath.

4. Keep dry Binchotan by electrical appliances like the television, microwave, computer, or mobile phone, to help block harmful electromagnetic waves.

5. Kept dry in various spots around your home, Binchotan charcoal will help balance the charged ions in your environment to freshen and purify the air around you.

6. To keep closets, drawers, and refrigerators fresh from odor, dampness, and mold, a stick of dry Binchotan can be kept inside to absorb bacteria and unpleasant scents.

7. Once your Binchotan has reached the end of its indoor use, improve soil health by recycling it in the garden. Mix broken pieces of charcoal into new soil, or apply it over a garden bed to improve the movement of air and water through the soil. This transformation will help increase microbial activity, alkalize the soil, and reinforce trace elements; creating an optimal environment for healthy plants.”

Wish me luck! ~ kf

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Bringing Winter Bulbs To the South!

My business in the north grew slowly and through existing clients   so  I really never had much need to attend events as a vendor. Although I have developed and worked MANY events over the last 15 years, I have never solely representing ME and my brand.

Now that I am currently refocusing on my brand I felt the recent holiday shopping event would be the perfect time to jump in and “re-launch” my brand to my networking group, promote my holiday decorating  and maybe sell a few of my bulb vases.

Day of, I packed up my display items , cut some fresh evergreens for the aroma, worked till the last minute making labels, signage, pricing, etc… I was running behind schedule but excited to get there.

During the 3 hour event, I received fantastic support from my fellow members and even attendees who I had never met. I felt a great sense of pride at my table and truly proud to be back representing and discussing my passions of decorating, plants and bringing beauty to the world we live in. The evening turned out even better than expected.

I learned that forcing bulbs for the holidays is very much a Northern tradition. Almost everyone asked what they were!  Amaryllis they were familiar with but the Paperwhites…everyone wanted to see a picture (which I had not even considered but will next time for sure!). Luckily I was able to describe them with enough detail and the guests seemed pleased to carry away their new purchases.

All in all I felt very happy about the night. I learned more about my demographic, what information I need to provide them with and tips on how to related directly with them. I look forward to continuing my journey of building my brand in all regions of the country and learing about their traditions and teaching them mine.

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