A Positive New Year

20 Tips for a Positive New Year
Updated for 2015 by Author Jon Gordon
(borrowed from Bill Schodowski)

A new year is upon us once again. (The calendar seems to turn over faster and faster.)
The following "tips" or "resolutions" if you prefer are things we can all work on (especially myself)!

1. Stay Positive. You can listen to the cynics and doubters and believe that success is impossible or you can trust that with faith and an optimistic attitude all things are possible.

2. Take a morning walk of gratitude. I call it a "Thank You Walk." It will create a fertile mind ready for success.

3. Make your first meal the biggest and your last meal the smallest. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

4. Zoom Focus. Each day when you wake up in the morning ask: "What are the three most important things I need to do today that will help me create the success I desire?" Then tune out all the distractions and focus on these actions.

5. Talk to yourself instead of listen to yourself. Instead of listening to your complaints, fears and doubts, talk to yourself and feed your mind with the words and encouragement you need to keep moving forward.

6. Choose faith instead of fear. Faith turns adversities and dead-ends into detours to a better outcome than you thought possible.

7. Don't chase dollars or success. Decide to make a difference and build meaningful relationships and success will find you.

8. Get more sleep. You can't replace sleep with a double latte.

9. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in your purpose, people and the positive present moment.

10. Build your life and career with the 3 greatest success strategies of all...love, serve & care.

11. Every day focus on your purpose. Remember why you do what you do. We don't get burned out because of what we do. We get burned out because we forget why we do it.

12. Remember there's no such thing as an overnight success. There's no substitute for hard work.

13. Believe that everything happens for a reason and expect good things to come out of challenging experiences.

14. Implement the No Complaining Rule. If you are complaining, you're not leading.

15. Read more books than you did in 2014.

16. Don't seek happiness. Instead decide to live with passion and purpose and happiness will find you.

17. Focus on "Get to" vs "Have to." Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift not an obligation.

18. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements:

I am thankful for __________.

Today I accomplished____________.

19. Smile and laugh more. They are natural anti-depressants.

20. Enjoy the ride. You only have one ride through life so make the most of it and enjoy it.

Here's to a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2015 to all!!

Thanksgiving is almost Here....

Thanksgiving is Thursday, November 27th.

You've bought the turkey, the yams, the pumpkin pie.....how about flowers for your table?   

                                           Autumn Cornucopia

A lovely fall arrangement will add that finishing touch to any holiday table.

They also make wonderful gifts for a hostess, or to send to loved ones who may be miles away.

Let them know you are thinking of them!                                

                                    Crazy For Chrysanthemums

If you are a "DIY"er, come in and browse in our walk-in cooler and hand select a few stems to put in your own vase. We also sell dried lotus pods, wheat, and cattails for that natural look.

Whether it's a centerpiece, or a wrapped bouquet, flowers add a special festive touch!

Holiday Open House

Join us Saturday November 8th from 9:00 to 5:00 for our
Holiday Open House.
A free gift and Free rose! Refreshments!

Just Because Day ... and Category

Today, for whatever reason, is Just Because Day.

Believe it or not, Paul Wood Florist is forward-thinking. We've had a Just Because category on our website for years!

Here's a couple of the arrangements up on that page right now. Feel free to browse the category yourself as well, and let us know if you have questions.

Colorado Vacation Cube

Vibrant, vivid summer colors nestled into a cube make a perfect centerpiece or arrangement for a side table or office.

Sunshine Brilliance

Orange, pink, and yellow in a tall, upright design make a beautiful statement, especially with an accent of trailing grasses.

Kiss and Make Up Day

Had a fight recently? Need a heartfelt way to apologize?

Paul Wood designers would be happy to put together a flower arrangement or dish garden (for the partner, friend, or family member with a green thumb) to help you express what you need to say.

Enchanted Treasure

It's Kiss and Make Up Day. Don't wait!

Thank a Senior Citizen

If you volunteer with senior citizens ...

If you have an elderly family member ... 

If you've just got a heart for senior citizens ... 

Today is Senior Citizens Day. What better way to express your thoughts than with a beautiful, classic flower arrangement?

Simply Summer

Let our designers at Paul Wood Florist put together something that expresses more than words can say.

V-J Day

Today and tomorrow (August 14-15) commemorates the end of World War II.

The discrepancy comes from the progression of events:

Japan surrendered on August 14, 1945.

The news of the surrender wasn't announced until August 15, 1945.

The formal surrender ceremony took place on September 2.

Regardless of which day you celebrate, today is a day to remember. Take a moment.

If You're a Middle Child ...

... today is your day! It's Middle Child Day!

Middle children tend to be the caring, compassionate, empathetic peace makers in the family. Without you, none of the rest of us would get along!

It's Not Easy Being Green Cube

So rule the roost, give the orders, go out to lunch, treat yourself to flowers or a movie or an afternoon off to do absolutely nothing, and enjoy it.

We appreciate you!

Parents: Celebrate Your Kids

August 11 is Son and Daughter Day.

We know, we know. As if these kids don't already have individual birthdays, now there's a day to celebrate them as a whole?

Why not?

Get together with the family and just appreciate one another's company. You might need a small centerpiece or a floral design for the buffet table. Keep Paul Wood in mind.

But most of all, remember to say thank you.

Thanks to the Coasties

If you know a member of the United States Coast Guard, remember to take a moment today to call, Tweet, message, or get in touch with that person and thank him or her for their service to our country. It's U.S. Coast Guard Day. Don't let a single member go unacknowledged!

Four Holidays in One!

Think flowers as gifts to celebrate four holidays in one tomorrow!

August 3 is Friendship Day. Say "thank you" to your close friends, perhaps with small bud vases, or individual mixed summer corsages.

Sorbet Dream

It's also International Forgiveness Day. It's so hard to physically say "I forgive you" or "Will you forgive me?" but they're some of the most important words we can use in our relationships. Try it with flowers or a plant instead.

It's Sisters Day. When was the last time you had a chance to talk to your sister, or get together and do something, or just appreciate her for being who she is? Say it with flowers!

And finally, August 3 is National Watermelon Day!

Okay, there aren't very many ways to celebrate watermelon with flowers, so just go have a slice and enjoy the day!

Father-in-Law Appreciation

Thank your father-in-law today, if you can. It's his special day: Father-in-Law Day is July 30. Don't miss the opportunity!

And ... More Family!

Are you close to your aunt and uncle? Spend a lot of time with them? Wish you could spend a lot of time with them, if they live out of town, out of state, or out of the country?

Today's the day to take a moment.

It's Aunt and Uncle Day. Celebrate your parents' siblings (biological, adopted, honorary, doesn't matter). Try a flower arrangement or a dish garden, just as an extension of your gratitude.

And tomorrow, July 27, is Parents' Day. Sure, they've got separate holidays too (Mother's Day; Father's Day), but why not pick up something the two of them can enjoy together? Think a restaurant gift card, or a few rounds of miniature golf, or a gift card to see a movie.

Who doesn't like to be appreciated every now and then?

Appreciation Centerpiece

Celebrate Family

It's Cousins Day today. Take a moment to appreciate your extended family, whether nearby or far away.

And consider dropping by Paul Wood Florist to order or pick up some flowers. Nothing says "I love you" and "Thank you for being you" like a beautiful floral arrangement!

Golden Glow

Got a Hammock Somewhere?

Today's the day to take advantage! It's Hammock Day.

Find even twenty minutes to catch a quick nap outdoors. We're hoping for sunny skies and a cool breeze instead of thunderstorms, on your behalf!

Lollipops and Ice Cream, Oh My!

Tomorrow is a day to celebrate being childlike.

July 20 is National Ice Cream Day (it's the third Sunday of the month of July every year, so that date changes) and National Lollipop Day.

Buy yourself an ice cream cone or a lollipop and re-live childhood for a few minutes!

Cows Need Appreciation Too!

Today is Cow Appreciation Day.

No, we're not kidding.

We really don't have any idea who might be interested in celebrating the holiday, unless you're a rancher, but if you find yourself in contact today with something black-and-white or brown that says "Moo," take just a second to be thankful.

Disclaimer: We do not recommend that you approach or try to touch strange animals. If you choose do so and get kicked, bitten, or otherwise attacked, Paul Wood Florist will not be held responsible.

Looking to Serve?

If you're looking for a community service project just for a day, we've got a deal for you.

Today is Cheer Up the Lonely Day (and World Population Day). If there's someone in your office, or your neighborhood, or your church, or your circle of friends that you notice is usually on the outskirts, think about a way to brighten that person's day today.

Say it with flowers or a lovely green plant (we've got dozens of options).

Say it with a kind word of encouragement.

Or say it with a smile ... perhaps the best option of all.

National Strawberry Sundae Day

It's National Strawberry Sundae Day, which only just overshadows the fact that it's also Chocolate Day. Enjoy something strawberry- or chocolate-flavored today!

Happy 4th of July!

Paul Wood Florist will be closed today in honor of the 4th of July.

Have an excellent holiday, filled with barbecues, swimming, picnics, and (safe) fireworks, and we'll see you back here tomorrow (Saturday) at 9:00 a.m.!

Now We're Really Into Summer!

Welcome to July! One half of the year is officially gone --- does that make anybody else look at the clock and wonder where the time has gone?

Today is Canada Day (sing "O Canada" in its honor). Today is also International Joke Day (if you know any good jokes, pass them on!) And today is Creative Ice Cream Flavors Day (maple bacon ice cream, anyone?).

Here are two more summer arrangements that we're featuring on our website in our Summer category:

Summer Paradise

Beautiful orchids, freesia, and anthurium combine in a splashy, summery design!

Summer Roses

This rose arrangement comes with mixed blooms in summery colors (orange, peach, yellow, pink, purple, green, and more).


Click either of the design titles above to go directly to the product page and order.

What are your plans for the 4th of July? Let us know!

Paul Wood on Twitter

If you're on Twitter, you can now follow Paul Wood:

@PaulWoodFlorist

It's the quickest, easiest way to keep in touch and stay up-to-date on all our news.

Call or email with questions; we'll be happy to help you #follow us.

Forgive with Flowers

It's Forgiveness Day. Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive? (Never mind the other person --- you can only control you.) A grudge you need to let go of? Bitterness you need to release so you can move forward without being shackled to the past?

Or maybe there's someone you need to ask to forgive you. Someone you hurt, whether yesterday or years ago, and you just need to come clean.

Say it with flowers.

Come browse the possibilities today and let our designers help you pick out what will best express the words you need to say.

Forgive --- and be free!

It's National Pink Day!

Today's the day to celebrate women and femininity with the color pink. Come see the pink flowers we got in over the weekend --- we'll be happy to design you a gorgeous arrangement for the day!

Summer's On Its Way

The first official day of summer is this Saturday, June 21. If you're waiting eagerly like we are, leave us a comment and tell us why.

What do you like best about summertime? Cookouts? Barbecue? Picnics? Kids and grandchildren running through the neighborhood and the sprinklers? Potlucks? Sunshine? Swimming pools? Ice cream outings?

Stop by today or drop us a comment or an email to let us know!

Happy Father's Day!

We're celebrating fathers everywhere today! Stay safe, and enjoy the holiday! We'll see you on Monday morning!

Flag Day Today

National Flag Day is set aside to honor the United States flag and all that it represents for our country and citizens.

Today is that day.

Take a moment to reflect on what the American flag means to you, and what it symbolizes: that ever-ready patriotic spirit and pride in one another, that sense of being "American" regardless of race, gender, political party, religion, or any other demographic.

Red Rose Day Today

Today is Red Rose Day! We just got in a new shipment of gorgeous red roses, so come in today to pick out a single stem, or a bud vase, or a dozen arranged --- whatever best suits your needs.

Presidential One Dozen Roses

Celebrate red roses with us today!

Father's Day Is This Sunday

Greetings, Paul Wood Florist customers!

This Sunday, June 15, is Father's Day.

You might not think of flowers first for your father, but if you're having a special meal together, why not stop by Paul Wood Florist and pick out something for a centerpiece, or for the buffet table? We have a variety of beautiful flowers and arrangements available, and our designers will be happy to work with you to create whatever you have in mind, if you'd like something special.

Call or come in today!

Arrangement Changeover

We changed over our arrangements in all of our major categories last week. That way, you have a wide variety of new products from which to choose to order, and you're not still seeing the same nine or twelve designs you've seen since Christmas.

These are the categories that have new arrangements available:

> Summer
> Anniversary
> Love & Romance
> Birthday
> Get Well
> Friendship
> Business Gifts
> New Baby
> Thank You
> Congratulations
> Just Because

Over the next several weeks, we'll post some of those new products that we're specially featuring, but for now, feel free to browse our website and look at what we've done with the place!

Summer Category

Our summer category went "live" on our website this week, and we're excited about the beautiful array of new arrangements.

Here's a sampling of what we're offering . . .

A Hint of Summer Cube

Bright, vibrant colors in this leaf-wrapped cube will remind anybody of summertime!

Dreamtime Festival

A beautiful design with mixed summer flowers in cheerful colors makes us think of summer carnivals and county fairs.

Summer Sunset

For the recipient who can't get enough of the exotic, this tropical arrangement is also in warm summer colors.

To go to the product page for any of these arrangements, just click their underlined titles.

Happy start of summer!

Last-Day-of-School Gifts

Today is the last half-day of classes for Poudre School District students in elementary, middle, and high schools.

Congratulations to all of them for surviving one more school year toward graduation (or, in the case of the high school seniors, toward the next chapter of their lives)!

And an enormous, heartfelt thank-you to all the PSD teachers who do so much to mentor and guide their students.

If you have someone finishing classes today, think about stopping by our shop in downtown Fort Collins to purchase a single wrapped flower to commemorate the occasion. Or maybe you'd like a presentation bouquet, any size.

Our designers can accommodate you. We have an assortment of brightly colored spring flowers available for purchase, including the ever-popular Gerbera daisy, standard roses, carnations, stock, and more.

We can also make flower arrangements in vases or baskets, and we have a beautiful selection of green and blooming plants and European dish gardens (in ceramic containers or baskets) if you'd rather give a gift that will last.

Just let us know what we can do to help you celebrate this occasion just before summer starts!

Happy last day of school to all!

Take Just a Moment Out of Your Day . . .

 . . . and send up thoughts and prayers on behalf of National Missing Children's Day today.

With the milk carton pictures out of style, it's easy to distance ourselves from the reality that many children remain missing in our nation and even around the world. It's a sobering truth.

Keep in mind their families and friends, the law enforcement personnel who work tirelessly to rescue the children and bring closure to all the questions, and the children themselves.

Let's not forget.

Memorial Day Weekend Hours

Paul Wood Florist will be open on Saturday, May 24, from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., as usual.

We are CLOSED on Sunday, May 25.

In honor of Memorial Day, we will also be CLOSED on Monday, May 26.

We re-open again on Tuesday, May 27, at 8:00 a.m. for our usual business hours.

Have a safe weekend!

Single Wrapped Flowers for Young Graduates

Do you have a son or daughter graduating preschool or kindergarten this weekend?

Paul Wood Florist has a beautiful selection of flowers perfect for such a momentous occasion.

We can wrap single stems of roses, Gerbera daisies, or sunflowers for your young graduate (one flower is often the perfect size for small hands and for sweet pictures!).

Or we can put together and wrap a small mixed spring bouquet (snapdragons, daisies, alstroemeria, and other lovely flowers) for you to present to the recipient.

Our talented designers and customer service staff will work within any budget.

Celebrate your young graduate in style with flowers from Paul Wood Florist!

Note: Images courtesy of flicker.com.

Memorial Day Weekend

With graduations and Memorial Day weekend on the horizon, remember to order your centerpieces or presentation bouquets early to ensure your first choices for color and flower type.

Also note that Paul Wood Florist will be CLOSED on Monday, May 26, for Memorial Day.

Armed Forces Day

Today is Armed Forces Day. Remember to thank the military member, whether current or veteran in your life. If you need something with which to say "Thank you," Paul Wood Florist has a wide selection of green and blooming plants, dish gardens, and floral arrangements for your convenience.

Thank you to our U.S. military!

National Bike to Work Day

Tomorrow is National Bike to Work Day!

Image courtesy of Flickr.com

What better place to bike everywhere than Bike Town U.S.A., right here in Fort Collins? If you'll be biking to work through Old Town (downtown) Fort Collins, take a quick detour past Paul Wood Florist on Olive Street, west of College Avenue, and see what we've done with the place for spring.

We're even able to wrap flowers so they stay safe if you need to slip them into a backpack while you're on your bike, so don't let your mode of transportation tomorrow slow you down from picking something out!

Stay safe tomorrow!

Colorado State University Commencement

Colorado State University Commencement takes place at the end of the week, on Friday, May 16, and Saturday, May 17. Graduation ceremonies take place throughout the weekend. If you need flowers for a graduate, call or come in to place your order.

Remember, for specific flower and color requests --- for example, if you'd like us to use green and yellow flowers for Colorado State University colors --- order as early as possible so we can ensure your satisfaction with the freshest product available.

Go Rams!

Mother's Day Hours

Yes, Paul Wood Florist will be open on Sunday, May 11, in honor of Mother's Day.

You can find us at the Olive Street location in Old Town Fort Collins from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. tomorrow, if you still need flowers for the special mother in your life.

Don't wait to celebrate! Have a wonderful Mother's Day!

Iris Day

Today is Iris Day! Celebrate these springtime beauties with us. We have a beautiful assortment, some more blue than purple and some more reddish-purple than blue, for you to choose from.

(image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com)

What better way to enjoy spring than to revel in bulb flowers like the iris?

Happy Iris Day!

Peonies and Other Flowers Available

Just an update for our avid readership, midway through Mother's Day Week.

We have red peonies and pink peonies still available for purchase, but they won't be here long, so don't wait!

Image courtesy of thegrowspot.com

We have godetia available in a melon pink-orange color and in white-and-pink, which looks gorgeous in an arrangement with other spring flowers.

Image courtesy of flickr.com

For something scented, we have purple, lavender, or white stock, another favorite spring flower.

Image courtesy of babystepsjmj.blogspot.com

We have a stunning selection of tropical flowers, including ginger, bird-of-paradise, heliconia, and anthurium in purple, white, green, red, pink, and green-and-red.

Image courtesy of wholeblossoms.com

We've also got our usual selection of Asiatic and Oriental lilies, Stargazer lilies, roses, daisy poms, spider mums, ornamental kale, hydrangea, alstroemeria, and more.

Order early for Mother's Day so your mother can enjoy the flowers the rest of the week!

National Teachers' and Nurses' Day

With the end of the school year approaching and even the semester at local colleges winding down, appreciation gifts for teachers are more and more common.

And how often do you think to thank the nurses in your life, whether family, friends, or simply consistent, reliable nurses at the doctor's office?

Today is National Teachers' Day and National Nurses' Day. Call or stop by Paul Wood Florist to check out our selection of small green and blooming plants or smaller arrangements, perfectly sized for a desktop, office space, classroom space, counter top, or other venue.

Golden Glow

Thank the teachers and nurses in your life who have helped you get where you are today!

Peonies Available, Limited Time!

As of Monday morning, May 5, at eleven o'clock, Paul Wood Florist in Old Town Fort Collins, on Olive Street, has red peonies and pink peonies stocked.

Because they are popular flowers and in high demand, they won't be here for very long, so call now or come in to place your order, and enjoy them while they're here!

Image courtesy of Teleflora.com

Mother's Day Corsages

Is your mother of the generation that fondly remembers receiving a mixed spring corsage as a gift for Mother's Day? Maybe she remembers wearing it to church that morning, and then enjoying it throughout the rest of the day's festivities.

Paul Wood Florist is featuring a mixed pin-on corsage this year with long-lasting flowers in beautiful spring shades.

Order early for the most choices and the freshest product available, and arrange to pick up sometime on Saturday to avoid the Sunday rush.

Surprise your mom with a lovely, custom-designed corsage this year!

Mother's Day Category

Mother's Day is exactly nine days away. Don't wait until the last minute to order flowers for your mother or your wife. Order early and let her enjoy beautiful flowers or a gorgeous blooming plant all week long. She's worth it!

Our Mother's Day category went live this week on our website. (Click here to go straight to the category page.) Today, we're featuring several designs from the site that we think will help you say "Thank you" to your mother the best!

Soft and Sweet

A beautiful mix of spring pastel flowers in a bubble bowl.

Mom's Tropical Escape

A contemporary, high-style design with bright tropical flowers and roses.

Celebration

A lovely assortment of vibrant, showy spring flowers.

Click the names of any of the arrangements above to go directly to the ordering page for those designs, or browse the Mother's Day page on our website for more ideas on how to express your appreciation and heartfelt sentiments to your mother.

As always, call or come in with questions.

Disclaimer: Please note that not all flowers pictured will be available at all times, and flower colors may vary from what is shown. Inquire directly with questions, and order early to make specific requests for special orders.

Happy May Day

Celebrate May Day with flowers!

We hope to have peonies available on a first-come, first-serve basis (or the first phone orders) sometime in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye open for those. They have a very short season, and they are very popular.

We also have the usual assortment of spring flowers in a variety of bright and pastel shades from pink and lavender to green, blue, white, and yellow. Look for tulips, iris, hydrangea, daisies, snapdragons, delphinium, and ranunculus.

No doubt about it --- spring is officially here! Enjoy!

Greenery Day

Greenery Day originated in Japan in 1989 to celebrate the birthday of Japanese Emperor Hirohito. It's intended as a day to commune with, appreciate, and be thankful for the natural world around us.

Visit us today at Paul Wood Florist to browse our selection of plants, dish gardens, and flowers. Perhaps you'll find something for yourself or for someone else that reminds you to appreciate nature today.

New Website Layout

If you've visited our general business website, www.paulwoodflorist.com, any time in the last few days, you've noticed some changes to the layout and design of the site. We're excited to share the latest features with you!

We now have a Delivery button (in the blue navigation bar near the top of the screen) where you'll find a list of zip codes, businesses, and surrounding communities around Fort Collins to which we make deliveries. Remember that the list is not comprehensive, and call with specific inquiries about making deliveries.

Our Weddings button (in the blue navigation bar) takes you directly to our wedding website, which was created back in February. Feel free to browse all the fantastic information there!

There's now a Blog button (in the blue navigation bar) that takes you directly to this blog, Floral Notes, from our general website.

We've added a scrolling feature for some of our products on our home page. Down below in a box, you'll still see two or three Deals of the Week, featured products that we've marked specifically for this week, but above that, you'll also see a slideshow with several other arrangements, plants, and dish gardens. The pictures move through one at a time, but you can use the arrows on either side to go backward or forward and see the previous picture or the next one in the show.

Our announcements, which used to be centered near the top of our home page, are now in a column on the right side of the product slideshow on the home page. We hope this change makes for easier reading for you!

We've also added a product category (in the green navigation box on the left side of your screen) under the Shop by Product label that is specifically for dish gardens. (Click here to access that page directly.)

Our color scheme is updated, with the blue navigation bar at the top and the green navigation box on the left side of the screen, to make it easier for you to find what you're looking for.

Finally, the bottom of the home page has a couple of paragraphs of information about Paul Wood Florist, along with our physical (mailing) address and phone numbers, and several links on the left side that are full of helpful information about plant and flower care and types.

Please feel free to let us know what you think, or if you have any questions!

Administrative Professionals' Day

Secretaries' Day . . .

Administrative Assistants' Day . . .

Call it whatever you like, but remember to express your appreciation for your office assistants!

This Wednesday, April 23, is Administrative Professionals' Day, and we at Paul Wood Florist in downtown Fort Collins want to help you express your appreciation the best you can.

Call or come in, or visit our website, to discuss your many options for how to say "thank you."

Consider a dish garden, like the Cheerful Ceramic Dish Garden, which is the perfect size for a desk top, office space, or home office.

Or think about a floral arrangement. We have a beautiful assortment from which to choose, like Dedicated Support, a lovely, showy arrangement that says more with colorful flowers than you might be able to say with words alone.

Another popular option is to consider a green or blooming plant. The Tropical Bromeliad Plant is an exotic choice that will brighten any office space.

In other words, the sky is the limit when you're looking for ways to say "thank you" this week. Just give us a call or visit our store or website to find the perfect gift.