Archive for April, 2008

We received a request from a new client a few days ago.  It was from a gentlemen that was overseas on business.  He found us on Google.  We were impressed.  He wanted to reach out and let someone special here in Bellevue know that he was thinking of them.  BiZi Bee made it happen!

 The request: a dozen roses wrapped and delivered by 1 pm to Bellevue.  Justin was lucky enough to catch the recipient and take a photo.

For our client:  Thank you.  It was an honor to help you make someone’s day extra special.

 We, here at BiZi Bee Floral in North Seattle, strive to make the world a better place..through flowers!  Not only are flowers beautiful to look at and smell, but they lift spirits and make people happier.  So, why not take it a step further by providing our clients with flowers that are grown in an environmentally friendly way?! 

We buy our flowers directly from the growers (all of which are Veriflora certified)…which leads to this question clients have..what does Veriflora certified and sustainable mean?  Here’s the answer: 

The VeriFlora certification program was established to provide stringent sustainability performance standards for growers and handlers of cut flowers and potted plants. It empowers each of us to stand up for sustainability standards that encompass all of the important issues, and to support the farmers and businesses who are making sustainability a reality.

Being Veriflora certified and organic are 2 seperate issues.  To be truly organic is based on a system of farming that maintains and replenishes soil fertility without the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers.  Veriflora is very close and strives to be even closer to fully organic soon.  I came across a really great article that you could can check out here about the different ways flower growers are striving to be more “green”.

We do visit a local farm and buy product directly from them during the season and know that she runs her operation as organic.  I did a wedding last year, using farm flowers and it turned out amazing and better yet, it was all organic.  But, during the off peak season for locally grown organic product, we only order from Veriflora certified growers.

We can certainly also get USDA Organic flowers (variety is a little scarce, usually roses and calla lilies) and need a weeks notice for any special orders/colors.  If you’re going to use the roses “on” a food(cake), always make sure to rinse, even the organic ones.

So, if you’re looking for a “green” local Seattle florist, BiZi Bee Floral is here to deliver!

Today (April 22, 08), on Earth Day, BiZi Bee Floral had the honor of delivering a gorgeous eco friendly bouquet of flowers on behalf of Earth Justice in Alaska to one of their good friends that is here in Seattle.

I know they wanted to show their support to a colleague and their request from us was that we deliver eco friendly flowers in a recycled container (which happened to be a vase we purchased at Goodwill in North Seattle). Not only does the money go for a good cause when you purchase from Good Will, but it’s also a great way to recycle containers that we, in the floral industry, use every day.  On occasion we’ll purchase new, but BiZi Bee really prefers to recycle instead of having wasted energy go into something that is going to end up in the garbage or the back of a cupboard. (By the way, we love to accept those containers/vases that can be reused instead of taking up space in your home…we’ll even give you a credit or a flower, whichever you choose).

The bouquet was made with all VeriFlora Certified flowers: Gladiolus, Delphinium, Snap Dragons, Lillies, Alstromeria, Tulips, Iris, Thistles, Boronia and greens.  It was a truly lovely bouquet designed for the customers’ sentiment.

So, thank you to Earth Justice for the delivery we made on Earth Day and for trusting that we would do the very best for one of your own!

Boy, you ever been stuck on the side of the road? That just sucks! Our shop van recently cut out on us while headed up the hill from Lake City on 125th. I am just super lucky that all the flower deliveries were done that day.

Problem was, i wasn’t sure who to call as “Cousin Vinny” was on vacation and it was snowing outside so all the usual shadetrees were baby sitting some brandy, jack, whatever.. Very lucky for me, i ran across Rob from RCP Automotive.

I have certainly been taken for a ride before by unscrupulous mechanics..so i wasn’t sure what to expect. First off, i was impressed because Rob showed up at the agreed time and place with all his own tools and a very pleasant attitude. Instantly, he was at work and making it obvious that he knew what the hell he was doing. in fact, i got tired of shivering and left him alone. about an hour and half later, he called and told me to come get my van.

Good Stuff..and as you know i like to share good stuff. If you need your car,truck, van, or suv repaired (even on the side of the road) you too can recieve excellent service by calling Rob at RCP Automotive at 425-218-6142. I’m certain he’ll take great care of you and your vehicle.

With Mother’s Day ahead, i am feeling great about driving all our deliveries thanks to Rob. When your money is on the line, he is the man!

spring warms
blossoms
open
secrets
reveal
long kept
during
coolness
of still
winter
it is
as such
inside
my heart
each time
i look
at you

poem written by a. justin baker of on 4/10/08 on commission of Bill F. for Dru for “A Lunch Date to Remember”..

Planning a wedding can be exhausting!  There’s no doubt about it..all the appointments, dress fittings, worrying..it’s enough to drive anybody mad!  But, relax, it’s all going to be okay.  The Bachelorette Party is a great way to escape from the stress of planning and bond with your friends and oh, a time to indulge, indulge, indulge!  The party should take place 2-3 weeks before the wedding.

Here’s a few helpful hints to make sure your Bachelorette Party goes off without a hitch and make sure you have the most relaxing day ever.

• Who Hosts?–Your attendants or siblings could chip in to create a send-off that’s right for you.  Here’s a hint: Let THEM do all the planning.
• Pre-Party To-Do’s–Make sure the people organizing the party know what your tastes are, so you don’t end up being asked to do anything outside your comfort zone.  You need to still be prepared for some surprises.  You need to let them know if you would rather head out of town for the weekend or keep it to a one-day event.
• Venue–You could get the party started by jetting off to Acapulco or the Mexican Riveriera for margaritas and some clubbing.  Vegas is always an option! Or maybe a spa day (try Spa Noir, Salon Zeka, or Diva Nail Spa for some options), Or a day in the city sampling wine at a wine bar (like The Purple Cafe or Smash Wine for a couple venues)and remember, flowers on the tables are a nice touch..you can have them made by BiZi Bee Floral in North Seattle and delivered to your destination!; or gather at that fabulous restaurant you’ve been meaning to try (The Melting Pot, Canlis, Sky City Restaurant in the Space Needle, or Wild Ginger)
• Guest List–All members of the bridal party, sisters and close friends.

DAY-OF NOTES:

Make the Bachelorette Party night (or weekend) memorable by taking lots of pictures.  Plus, dress to impress in something sexy (depending on the event you’re having) and yes, this is one time a tiara is acceptable!

 –In Style Weddings Magazine was the resource for most of this article

I know we women (whom are about to tie the knot) are scared when we hear the words: “Bachelor Party”.  We think of scantily clad women dancing around our men, tempting them into things they wouldn’t normally do.  Of course, we trust our man..but there is always the cringe of “what if?”

So, do me a favor, Don’t think of this as his last chance to celebrate being single; it’s simply an opportunity to spend time with his closest friends and toast the amazing life change that is about to happen!  Here’s a few tips I’d like to share:  the bachelor party should happen 2-3 weeks before the wedding (there’s so many things that could go wrong if done the night before..so plan ahead)

• Who hosts?–Usually the best man and groomsmen do this planning.
• Pre-Party To-Do’s–Discuss what kind of party is being planned for your fiance and make sure you’re comfortable with it too.
• Venue–Ideas for planning a weekend away are wide open: Las Vegas is an awesome option for good food and late night fun, or he can try something seasonal , like hitting the links in Arizona or California.  If the party takes place locally, he might consider chowing down at an upscale steak house (like the Metropolitan Grill or Rock Salt:Steak and Seafood), or attending a sports event (like the Mariners) or heading out for a day of adventure rock climing (try Mountain Madness for a great resource), white water rafting (try Blue Sky Outfitters for a great resource) or other extreme activity, such as ATVing (check out ATV Action Tours).
• Guest List–The groomsmen, your fiance’s brothers and any other friends he’d like to celebrate with.

DAY-OF NOTES:

Let him know that he can call you, even if his friends tease him, but they’re probably doing the same thing!

–In Style Weddings magazine was the resource for this article.

i.
when great men
in halls of power
stand on lecturns
turning phrases
with great pomp
amidst airs of importance
rattling sabers
speaking of great victory
let us hope
they count the cost
the price?
sons, daughters
brothers, mothers,
uncles, aunts,
husbands, wives
belonging often
to others
powerless to object
stuffed into shells
and sent to a hell
where air bursts
into screams
simultaneous
to onslaught
whizz of bullets flying
lungs choke
on acrid smoke
youthful flesh torn
spraying red mist
amidst screaching cries
for mother
and prayers
to a quiet God Father
presumably
presiding above
as savage actions
claw the supple tissues
of the young
as they cling to earth
clutching their
beloved brothers
in arms
wrenching and twisting
in throws of death
hearing the unhearable
last requests
goodbyes to loved ones
through nashed teeth
agony unleashed
to darkness
dragging a jagged chain
of misery
to score ground
rising and falling
in waves of panic
soaking to red
as the deafening
roar of war
reverberates
all around
in spite of pleas
cries for mercy
it does not end
only roils round
begging for an end
that seems
forever yet to come

ii.
on the homefront
children play
unaware of their future
recessed from decay
of institutions
while old men read
papers delivered
people sit in cars
going nowhere
power from all it
derived from pipelines
and tankers
laiden in liquid
that one glance to the next
changes from red
to black
as fat cats
too lazy to count
their own green
spend offshore accounts
others are paid to do it
while those who truly
pay (children)
cannot count the cost
their innocence
deprives them of knowing
their world
is a runaway train
that drives them in suv’s
to mcmansions
the unsustainable
sustained
by war
only answer?
stay the course
set by great men
standing on lecturns
turning phrases
rattling sabers
speaking of victory
hollow words
to families
missing pieces
staring blankly
at empty places
can’t replace warm spaces
once filled
cold sheets
to greet
longing loved ones
meaningful moments
gone to history
never to return
to empty arms
now only cold walls
to stare back
why are those
who pay the price
the little ones
belonging to those who’ve
paid the price
now abandoned
as orphans
why, why, why
is the question
i beg to hear
ringing from sea
to shining sea
before again
we see
the bold, the brave,
the beautiful
our beloved
be closed
into breach
of conflict
beyond
control

iii.
again
i go
seeking
shipment
flowers flown in
only to greet
a cardboard box
with label
“human remains”
escorted by two
friends
Marines
Majors
standing
resplendant
in full dress blue uniform
symbolizing sacrifices
they know
firsthand
as they stand
by the side
of a fallen brother
not leaving his side
til they return
him to mother.
never again
will i shiftless
watch news
look the other way
never again
will i
cease to ask
before
such sacrifice is asked
why?!!!

poetry written by a. justin baker
after returning from picking up flowers from delta air cargo on april 5, 2008. justin is a vet of the united states navy. it is a salute to the us marines who served with lt colonel hall.
you guys truly live “semper fi”.

I met with Nick from Best Roofing in Federal Way today. He was really personable. I got to see pictures of his many happy clients and a tour of his office. if anyone is looking for a new roof, give Nick the roofer a call at 253-661-5807. He’d love to speak with you about staying dry and saving money on your roof project especially in Seattle.

Planning a wedding shower can be loads of fun.  Just remember, the key to planning a great shower is to make sure the bride is the center of attention and everyone knows it!  A wedding shower is a fantastic way to build up excitement for your upcomming nuptials. (and when it comes to the flowers, BiZi Bee Floral in North Seattle is here to help with this day too!)   Here are a few great tips that will help you with planning your wedding shower!  It’s advised for it to take place 1-2 months before the wedding.

• Who Hosts?–The bride’s sister, best friend OR the entire wedding party can host this affair.  You may want to have a hand in choosing the location and types of food served, since you know your guests (and your mother) best.
• Pre-Party To-Do’s–Get ready for all eyes to be on you.  You will be “showered” with gifts and are expected to open them in front of the crown as they ooh and aah.  Think about what you’ll wear.  As the guest of honor, you want a look that’s slightly dressier than your guests’.
• Theme and Decor–Depending on your tastes, you could do an afternoon tea with tiered plates of dainty foods, simple floral arrangements (maybe arranged in actual teacups or teapots), with lacy linens and fine china OR a lunch with a theme that related to one of your hobbies, such as travel, photography, gardening–and start the party with a class or seminar in this area.
• Venue–This party can take place in someone’s home, at a tea shop or in a room at a restaurant or hotel.  Just make sure the space is cozy and secluded (showers can get loud!)
• Guest List–Bridesmaids, sisters, and the two moms.  Some people include friends of both mothers, all female relatives and the bride’s girlfriends (basically, important women in your life, along with those involved in the wedding)…but remember, every woman invited to the wedding does NOT have to be asked to the shower.  For coed showers, everyone does not need to bring a man or a woman.

DAY-OF NOTES:  Make sure someone is keeping track of who gave you what, so you can mail handwritten personalized thank-you notes within a couple of weeks of the shower.

–In Style Weddings magazine