Author: zFlowers.com

Flowers – Inducing Positive Emotion

Posted by | Dec 10, 2015 | , , , |

Flowers – Inducing Positive Emotion An interesting psychological study, led by Rutgers University psychologist Jeanette Haviland-Jones, has been conducted in order to discover the effects flowers have on emotion and memory.   It was partly funded by the Society of American Florists, which makes sense, because this is important information about how our consumers operate.  Do people buy flowers just because it’s a safe, traditional gift or are there other forces at work that influence their decision? The Duchenne Smile: The researchers looked for this sign, also known as the true smile, as an indicator of significantly increased mood.  The Duchenne smile is the one that not only scrunches up the cheeks but also the eyes.  It’s a full face smile and a “reliable indicator of happiness”. The Study was broken down into 3 main experiments: The first experiment was designed to test the short and long term mood shifts of women that were given a variety of gifts.  Some women were given large decorative candles, some were given fruit and sweets baskets while others were given mixed bouquets of roses, lilies and stocks.  The women that received the flowers all displayed the duchenne smile and had a long term increase in positive mood.  The other women all produced smiles with varying results and overall the duchenne smile was much less frequent with the other gifts.  Also interesting, is that...

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Less is more – the use of empty space

Posted by | Nov 10, 2015 | , , , , |

It is common, in the flower industry, for customers to feel that bigger is better.  That the number of flowers in the arrangement should be proportionate to the number of dollars spent. Would the average customer be willing to spend the same amount of money on less flowers and more design?  Would they be willing to pay for empty space? The famous 20th century architect and designer, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, made the aphorism “Less is more” very popular and demonstrated this design theory through his very minimalist approach.  His emphasis was on simplicity of form and use of empty space. If we look to Japan, and the art form called Ikebana, we can see similar design ideals applied to floral arrangements.  Early records of Ikebana go back to the 6th century when Buddhism was introduced to the Japanese.  The flowers were presented as an offering in honor of Buddha.  From that point onward the Japanese introduced containers and furthered the art until Masters of the form arose and Ikebana schools were opened.  Over time the styles evolved and when Japan opened to the rest of the world the art form spread and grew. “What distinguishes IKEBANA from other approaches such as “flower arrangement” is its asymmetrical form and the use of empty space as an essential feature of the composition. A sense of harmony among the materials,...

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Ladies: We are Secret Sadistic Devils!

Ladies: We are Secret Sadistic Devils!

Posted by | Oct 15, 2015 | , , , , , , |

The soothing relaxing aroma of perfumed oils and candles, the smooth and tranquil tones from the background music, the clean fresh sheets on a very comfortable bed, lying back buck naked with a towel around the nakedness waiting for the pain to start! Nope, this is not a scene from 50 Shades of Grey – it’s the monthly grooming session at the expensive Spa! Although – the torture involved is probably close if not more sadistic than a scene with Christian Grey! The lovely soft-spoken lady (who views your girly parts with more scrutiny than your Gynaecologist) standing at...

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Rock Solid Guns & Buns of Steel – The Perfect Man?

Rock Solid Guns & Buns of Steel – The Perfect Man?

Posted by | Sep 29, 2015 | , , , , , , , |

  Broad solid shoulders, angry sweat laden faces, six/eight packs (apparently they do exist!), thick sculptured thighs and of course the buns of steel! Yes Ladies – it’s the Rugby World Cup! The men in our lives are watching the games religiously for the pure adrenaline rush, National pride and in the back of their minds thinking they are as tough and mean as the men on the pitch. As much as the ladies like to support their favourite team, National pride and in general, just enjoy watching the sport – there is always the hot-blooded female in us...

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Wives – The Modern Day Super Heroes

Wives – The Modern Day Super Heroes

Posted by | Sep 17, 2015 | , , , , , , , , |

Staring at a sink full of dishes and the bomb site that is my kitchen, I do what I always do; I roll my shirt sleeves up and start the cleaning process. Alas, this is my cliché married life. My husband is a good cook, but every time he cooks, the kitchen is a scene from a horror movie! He has tried washing up in the past, but I think he intentionally does it badly so that I don’t ask him to do it regularly! I put up with his feet up on the coffee table when he is watching...

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