Bridal Bouquets

As if I'm not busy enough, I'm now an independent contractor for a local reception/event hall as their florist.  It's been good so far, only part time but that's okay.  I need to get better about taking photos of completed work.  I thought I would share some of the one's Idid remember to photos of.

My Last Day

Yesterday was my last day at Lollipops & Roses.  I never thought I would get so attached to a store that wasn't mine, but I did.  I honestly feel like a little piece of me has died.  When I look back I can see why.  I was the one who picked out and picked up the flowers, went to the floral supply house, created the floral arrangements, worked the counter, answered the phones, met and worked with the customers, met with brides, set up displays, stocked merchandise, took out the trash, worked 14 hour days for holidays, and more.  Thankfully, Suzy came in on Saturdays.  She was like my fairy godmother.  When I came back in on Mondays, the floors would be mopped, windows done, and more.  She's awesome!  And like me, she cares about the store. 
We've sold off ten's of thousands of dollars in merchandise over the last month...all at 75% off.  Customers got some fabulous product, floral shops bought an enormous amount of vases, containers and floral supplies.  I showed much restraint, but I even bought a few things.  Heck, even the mailman bought candles.  If anyone is interested there is still a wonderful floral display cooler available for an incredible price, just let me know. 
Now, I have to reset my course and get back to crafting.  Since I took this position I can count the number of days on one hand that I've had time to paint.  Fall shows will be here before I know it and I must be ready for them if I am to make any money. 

Lollipops & Roses Closing

If you're in the Las Vegas area please stop by Lollipops & Roses at the corner of Sunset & Annie Oakley.  This cute little store is closing and EVERYTHING IS 75% OFF!  Come and get some awesome deals, do some of your holiday shopping and save a tone of money.  We'll be open the following dates:
June 6,7,8    10-4
June 10        10-4
June 16-18  10-4
We'll have to see what's left after that.
Give us a call...655-3340

Thankful for Valentines...

but I'm so glad it over.  It was busy, and for that I'm thankful.  I survived my first Valentine's Day as the only florist in a small shop.  I also completed my first funeral (for the owner's father in law).  I seriously think they chose the largest thing in the book.  I was really pleased with all the pieces, as was the family.  But I think the greatest compliment came from the mortuary personell who kept saying how lovely they were and that they were some of the nicest they've seen in some time. 
Big thanks go out to my friend, Diane.  She came by after work 4 nights to help green vases and learn to do several thingls like a rose wrap, dozen roses, etc.  She also pulled 12 and 14 hour days with me over the weekend prepping for deliveries on Monday.  We couldn't have pulled it off without her. 
Suzy took a personal day on Monday from her regular job to be at the shop and basically run the front end of the store.  What a trooper she is.  She comes in nightly after her regular job for a few hours and on Saturdays. 
Monday was a busy day.  The drivers were busy all day, we had extra girls on hand to help walk in customers, we had to order extra roses and pick them up, my brother came to help out all day with me, and it flowed pretty well.  I seriously created arrangments all day...all day.
As much as I enjoy playing with flowers I was seriously grateful to have Tuesday off.  The dogs finally got to go explore on our walk on the mountain, I caught up on laundry, groceries, prepping meals, sweeping and mopping the floors, etc.  Oh, and I got to see my hubby.  What a trooper he's been the last two weeks.  I look forward to spending time with him this weekend.  I may even get a little crafting done...I hope.

new year...new job

I used to work at this adorable shop called Lollipops & Roses several years ago.  It was full of wonderful gifts geared towards women, babys, flowers and homemade treats and goodie baskets.  However; as the economy started to waiver, they made cut backs and I volunteered to leave so one of the other girls wouldn't be cut. 

As the economy worsened, tough decisions had to be made.  The adorable shop of 5000 square feet was to be no more.   Their current florist sub-leased the store from the orginal owner and was moved to a smaller location down the street to just 1200 square feet. I never went into the new store....until......

It's a sad, ugly story...but the outcome is the old owner has returned and taken the store back.  I received a frantic call just 9 days before Christmas asking me to come and be her florist and try to pick up what pieces could be found.  Sooo, that's where I've been since December 17th. 

Now, I have to tell you...I did think about looking for part time work to fill in the holes around here.  I have to admit...I'm tired of just squeaking by.  (Fortunately, my hubby has a great job, it's just getting hard to get by on one income anymore.) I even filled out applications for JoAnn's and Hobby Lobby.  Guess they didn't call me for a reason. 

These flowers went to a 90 years young gal last week for her birthday.  It was gorgeous!  I sure hope she enjoyed them.  It was a real pleasure to create this arrangement for her.   Just glad I wasn't the one to deliver it, it was heavy and tall (45") and filled with 90 roses. 

Please help us spread the word, Lollipops & Roses will be coming back to it's former glory (although smaller scale).  If you need flowers, white chocolate popcorn or a gift for someone special please visit us in Las Vegas at the corner of Sunset Road and Annie Oakley.  Look for us on Facebook, like us, and watch for us to rise from the ashes.  :0)

You'll probably find some of my creations there are well.