Announcing our "Be Mine" Video Valentine Contest

Valentine’s Day is the time of year when you express how you really feel to those close to you. What better way to do that than with a romantic video! By entering Beneva’s “Be Mine” Valentine Video Contest you can make this Valentine’s Day extra special for your loved one.

Simply create a video message asking your would be Valentine to "BE MINE," remember to be creative, sincere and loving! All registered members of Beneva.com will have the opportunity to not only submit a video but also vote for the very best. You may only vote for each entry once. So get your family and friends over to Beneva.com and sign up to vote!

Prizes:

Grand Prize Winner, One lucky participant will walk away with a $500 gift card to BedandBreakfast.com - for use at any participating B&B WORLDWIDE!

First Runner-Up, One individual will be awarded a $250 Spa Package from SpaFinder.com.

Second Runner-Up, Another participant will be awarded $100 Regal Theater Gift Card, for use at any Regal Movie Theater.

Just when you thought you had seen it all...

This Valentine's Day, have a professional ELVIS impersonator hand deliver your roses and serenade your Valentine with favorites like, "Love Me Tender," "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," "All Shook Up," and a medley of "Teddy Bear" and "Don't be Cruel." Imagine the fun at the office or any place of business!

If you really want to show your special someone how sweet you think they are, then have the Deluxe Package delivered by adding a decedent box of Godiva Chocolates.

Still not convinced your Valentine will be “All Shook Up?” Then go all out and send the Love Me Tender Ultimate Package that includes a bottle of wine, a box of Godiva Chocolates, and a Dozen roses all delivered by a serenading Elvis!

There are only a limited amount of deliveries available for this special promotion. After all, there is only one "KING" right?

Enter our Holiday Photo Contest and win over a $1,000 in prizes

Boxed Flowers Ordered Online

At Beneva Flowers presentation and customer satisfaction is very important to everyone here. That's why we were amazed when it was brought to our attention how our competition from the "Big Name" online companies send out their product. Sure they offer discount prices for what appears to be beautiful arrangements. However once you watch this video you might begin to realize how much love and care local florist put into their products and that maybe that online price isn't really a deal after all.

The Holiday Season Has Arrived!

With Thanksgiving now officially over and "Black Friday" kicking off the Holiday Shopping Season we are now officially entering the most wonderful time of year. With the celebration Hanukkah and Christmas we are often looking for just the right gift to express our love to our friends and family, or even that perfect addition to our home that brings the Holidays to life.

Hanukkah starts December 5th this year and is a glorious is celebration for eight days and nights. This beautiful festival of lights is an ancient tradition which celebrates dedication to God. This year we are offering beautiful centerpieces, appropriate arrangements, and treats for everyone.

Christmas falls on a Tuesday this year and is the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Christmas is also meant to celebrate and spread goodwill and peace. This year we are offering an array of beautiful arrangements, centerpieces, cubes poinsettia plants and much more.

We also offer an array of holiday collectibles for gifts or your own home. Our 2007 gift selection features Thomas Kinkade Collectables, Lenox Keepsakes, Gund Talking Bears, Murano Italy Vases and delicious gift basket assortments. All gifts available for delivery across town or the USA.

The highlight of our Holiday offers is our exclusive Fitz and Floyd collectible, The Fitz and Floyd Snowy Sleigh Ride Bouquet. This one of a kind collectible is only available form Beneva Flowers and comes with a numbered certificate of authenticity and delivered in a collector’s box. This piece is limited to only 5,000 and will be retired on December 31st. Please check out the commercial below to see this holiday's must have collectible.

Win a Nintendo Wii from Beneva Flowers

While the Wii, over the past year, has become the hardest console to find, we are proud to be offering them to our customers through, our mobile text messaging service. Between now and December 14th, everyone who signs up has an opportunity to bring home a Wii to place under their Christmas tree!

Autumn Pieces Spotlighted on ABC 7

We would like to take this opportunity to thank ABC 7 here in Sarasota for spotlighting a small sample of our Autumn Arrangmenets. As we continue to move closer and closer to the holiday season a lot of homes are getting ready to pick out just the right centerpiece for Thanksgiving or to simply celebrate the colors of fall. For those of you who missed the segment, I have included the clip below for you all to enjoy.

Welcoming the Autumn Season

As the summer months have come to an end and our children are back in school, we welcome the Autumn season and all the beautiful colors that come with it. As most of us in Florida remember, Fall is the time trees shed their leaves, change their color to a reddish hue and fall to the ground. While most of us don't miss having to rake leaves, it's easy to miss the vibrant colors that are abundant up north this season. Such colored leaves have come to be colloquially called "fall foliage."

The origin of the word 'autumn' comes from the French word automne and became popular in usage for the season since the 16th century. The term Fall however is said to have become a popular alternative due to the phrase, "fall of the leaves."

Autumn is typically celebrated as beginning during the September equinox, which is September 23rd, this year. The season “officially” ends on the December solstice (around December 21). On the other hand, meteorologists count the entire months of September, October and November as autumn. Although the days begin to shorten after the summer solstice, it is typically the month of September when twilight becomes noticeably shorter.

Autumn's association with the transition from warm to cold weather, and its related status as the season of the primary harvest, has dominated its themes and popular images. Images of autumn are usually soft elegant landscapes, cornucopias, vegetables, grains and wheat that ripen at this time. Most ancient cultures featured autumnal celebrations of the harvest, often the most important on their calendars. Obviously this tradition is carried out today with our Thanksgiving celebrations.

We hope this season when you are decorating your home to reflect the beauty outside, or to honor the season that ends the summer heat and humidity here in Florida, that you'll honor us by placing one of our Fall Baskets, autumn arrangements, cornucopias or elegant centerpieces into your home.

Fitz and Floyd's Snowy Sleigh Ride

This Holiday Season I am proud to announce that we here at Beneva are doing something that has never been done in the floral industry before. We have partnered up with the world famous Fitz and Floyd to offer a collectible sleigh that is available only from a local florist like Beneva Flowers. You can not get this form FitzandFloyd.com, Teleflora, or any other retailer in the United States.

Fitz and Floyd’s Snowy Sleigh Ride will be supported by a number of national marketing strategies and will be available for you to send the gift around the entire United States via http://www.localflowershop.com/. The sleigh will be shown on billboards in metropolitan area across the US, showcased in network commercials, featured in our National Brochure, and supported by your favorite local florist.

This is an exciting time for our industry as for the first time, we can offer you the consumer a unique and wonderful keepsake collectible that can be kept in your family for years to come. So please enjoy the video below to learn a little more about Fitz and Floyd’s Snow Sleigh Ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mIYOUEQX2UQ

Voted #1 Florist in Sarasota thanks to you!

The Sarasota Herald Tribune has awarded Beneva Flowers once again as the #1 Florist by the Reader's Choice Awards. Over 25,000 readers voted in the Reader's Choice Awards, giving Beneva Flowers the #1 Florist in the "Best of the Best Florist in Sarasota, FL" category for the 9th consecutive year.

I just want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their support. At Beneva Flowers, it is our goal to "Exceed your Expectations" with every purchase or request. Receiving an award like this, for nine consecutive years, shows that the hard work and dedication of not only myself but of the entire staff is worth every hour we put in.

so I just want to say thank you to everyone in Sarasota for your votes and appreciation. I guarantee we'll continue to work just as hard to continue to "Exceed your Expectations!"

Back to School Already!?!?

Being from the north, as are about 80% of Florida residents, I'm always surprised at how early the kids go back to school down here. Sarasota County goes back August 20th, while our family up north gets to wait until after Labor day before they go back. While I'm sure most of you are worried about getting the kids back to school week is the perfect time to let the teacher in your life, know how much you appreciate all their efforts in preparing for the school year. Send one of our delightful arrangements, blooming plant or a gourmet basket to help them ease into the new school year. After all their job is one of the most important in the world.

Photo Contest Extended!

Last Week for our Photo Contest!

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in Beneva's "Fun in the Sun" photo contest. The entries have been unBENEVAble! I've included a couple samples here for everyone to see just a small sample of the many, funny, cute and breath taking summer photos we have recieved so far. In fact if you want to see all of the entries please take a second and click HERE.

Are they not amazing? The response has been amazing. Unfortuanetly the last day for everyone to get their photos in will be this Friday, July 27th. I just want to remind everyone that the Ggrand prize winner will recieve $100 American Express gift card, that can be used anywhere! In addition to this you'll be awarded one of our Beneva Signature Design Sunflower bouquets. Gorgeous flowers, a 100 dollars to spend and seieng your picture on Beneva.com. What more could you ask for!

The Origins of Christmas in July

The term Christmas in July is usually thrown around for a Summer Sale or an opportunity to purchase holiday items at discounted prices. While many stores are running this promotion, including Beneva Flowers, very few know the origins of the term.

Christmas in July is actually an unofficial holiday in the US. When celebrated, mostly by young people, it's generally on July 26, Saint Joachim and Saint Anne’s day, Jesus´ grandparents. Many people do not celebrate this time, however, and even among those that do, it is far less important than Christmas.

In some parts of Australia and New Zealand where Christmas typically occurs in their summer months, they use the term "Christmas in July" as an opportunity to celebrate traditional Christmas activities. Why some of you may think it’s just bizarre to think of Christmas without Snowman, cuddling by the fire, or big home cooked meals, here in Sarasota we're used to a "Sunny" Christmas.

McMurdo Station in Antarctica also celebrates Christmas in July. The tradition started due to delivery problems. July is the middle of winter in Antarctic’s and the high winds and ice made it too dangerous for planes to land and deliver supplies. Instead planes would parachute deliveries, which of course reminded everyone at the station of "Santa" delivering Christmas gifts.

So when you're picking up a discounted singing snowman, an elegant Lenox Tree, or some beautiful Gorham votives remember to thank our friends from the other side of the globe for Christmas in July.

Sunflowers: A Summer Specialty!

Sunflower arrangements are one of the most requested items for flower shops in the summer. These beautiful flowers are among the oldest to be grown in North America and have a wonderful history in our country.

Native Americans used Sunflowers for food and oil, and often used the seeds to feed their livestock. Today we continue to use sunflower seeds to make oil and also as a form of a snack for both humans and birds. The plentiful supply of sunflower seeds can be attributed to the fact that each flower head consists of about 1,000 to 2,000 seeds.

The popularity of Sunflowers comes from their reputation of being one of the fastest growing plants. Within a six month time span they can reach between 8 and 12 feet. The tallest recorded Sunflower was actually grown in The Netherlands. The Sunflower grew to an astonishing size of 25 feet and 5.5 inches.

The scientific name of sunflowers is Helianthus, Helia for sun and Anthus for flower. This name comes from the sunflowers well known characteristic of following the sun’s movement. This phenomenon is called heliotropism and is the main reason the flower received its name.

Do you really need a reason to say I love you?

Most people tend to only buy flowers for important events during the year. Women expect flowers on Valentine's Day. Mom's tend to be dissapointed if there isn't something from their children for Mother's Day. Secretaries Week is an occasion meant for staffs to be rewarded with something beautiful. Wouldn't it be nice if we didn't need a holiday or anniversary to express our love? Shouldn't you show your love all year round?

Well now you can, thanks to Flowers Year Round! We have it set up that you can choose from a seasonal bouquet, orchids, roses, or even a nice blooming plant. Every month your loved one will receive a new arrangement or plant to enjoy. Why wait until you're "supposed" to express emotion? Let those close to you know that your love lasts all year round!

Fun in the Sun!

I just want to say how incredibly excited I am about the response of our summer photo contest. There have been so many great entries so far, check them out here. The deadline for our contest is July 27th and I hope you all have the opportunity to submit a photo. Take the opportunity this Fourth of July to capture that perfect moment that will win you $100 dollar American Express Gift Card and a Beneva Signature Sunflower Bouquet.

Celebrate Independence Day!

I know many of you are either planning on taking a long weekend or all of next week off to celebrate our nation's birth. For those of you who'll be in the Sarasota area, I've listed some of the celebration's that'll be going on this fourth of July. However if your just planning a family barbecue be sure to add a sense of patriotism with a Beneva Signature Bouquet, or treat the kids with some all American cookies, lollipops, or some gourmet chocolate covered strawberries.

However if you are unable to be with your family and friends, then send them a FREE eCard to show that they are still in your thoughts.

Stars and Stripes Performs
The 15-member Sarasota Star Spangled Band that features singer Michelle Amato honors the armed forces. Tickets are $15 to $20 for the 7:30 p.m. show. The show is at Van Wezel Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Call 941-953-3368 or (800) 826-9303 or go to http://www.vanwezel.org/.

For the Veterans
The American Brass performs at 5:30 p.m. in a veterans tribute to be held at Island Park in Sarasota. It takes place before the annual fireworks display. Veterans and military groups will be there, and seven color guards will participate. Food and beverages will be available. Visit http://www.popsextras.org/ or call 941-362-7632.

Fourth of July Celebration
Gillespie Park in downtown Sarasota at 10th Street Gillespie Avenue, have an event from 9:30-11 a.m. There will be patriotic music, an honor guard and refreshments are part of the program. It's free. Call 941-377-5965.

Pre-Fourth Concert Set at Asolo
On Sunday, July 1, the historic Asolo has a concert with Gloria Musicae. It has an afternoon performance of Sarasota's all-professional chamber vocal ensemble. The theater is at 5401 Bayshore Road. It starts at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15. Call 941-360-7399.

A Tropical Holiday at Selby
Live Zydeco music highlights Marie Selby Botanical Gardens' Tropical Fourth of July celebration. It gets under way at 6 p.m. and has children's games, the Gumbo Boogie Band and prizes for the best patriotic costumes. Selby Gardens is at 811 S. Palm Ave. Tickets are $15 for Selby Gardens' members and $18 for nonmembers. Children 12 and younger are free. Call 941-366-5731 or go to http://www.selby.org/.

Earn Money for Having "Fun in the Sun!"

32 Lives Saved!

Last month everyone here at Beneva Flowers learned the real value of giving after teaming with the Suncoast Communities Blood Bank to hold a Blood Drive on May 30th. With the help of Recruitment Specialist Vivian Steidel-Santiago and all our employees here we are pleased to anncounce we helped save 32 lives!

It all started when sales employee, Annie Derry, dropped a note in the suggestion box encouraging a blood drive. The Management Team agreed it was a great idea and contacted the Blood Bank to set a date. On May 30th the Blood Bank bus pulled into the Beneva Flowers parking lot and began taking donations.

For our first Blood drive we focused on a small advertising campaign, which still resulted in many community members giving blood. Each donor received coupons to local restaurants from the Blood Bank and a carnation with a Lucky Stems™ tag from Beneva Flowers. Several donors won prizes from local business when they logged on to http://www.beneva.com/ to check the number on their Lucky Stems™ tags.

The staff here really enjoyed the event and were eager to know how much their efforts had helped the Blood Bank. Needless to say, the employees were blown away to hear the real numbers and how their interest and participation were able to help their communities. Immediately, everyone was asking when they could schedule another Blood Drive.

We have set two dates with the Blood Bank, August 29th and October 31st. Beneva's Marketing Department has already begun working on creative ways to reward community members for donating. You may see free giveaways for Labor Day donors or maybe even costumed contributors on Halloween donating and receiving a free floral arrangement!