This Week's Trip to Holland Christmas Sourcing & Ordering

Jason & I go to Holland about once a month to check out what's available, to find new varieties, to source new growers, to keep in touch with new trends and to generally emerse ourselves in fresh flowers and plants.

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We visit the wholesale market at the world famous auctions in Aalsmeer near to Amsterdam, the flowers are shown in height/size & colour order by varietal name.

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We don't actually bring any fresh flowers or foliages back with us though we do place orders for future dates and take pictures of the products we're most interested in so we can place orders with our buyer on the auctionsThere are a huge number of aspirational designs to inspire weary florists
And a vast quantity of florist sundries and dried articles

This is literally just red berries including Ilex, Rose hips, Skimmia, Hypericum, Crab apples & Pyracanthus.

A festive bowl of Amaryllis

Foliages as far as the eye can see

Some brand new garden style Roses

Jason measuring up some frosted Salix

Just a few of the gorgeous array of winter Hydrangeas

I love these Green Roses the colour is so vivid.Jason & I go on the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam and then drive over land to Aalsmeer, the ship sails through the night so we arrive all fresh and raring to go! (If you say this often enough you do start to believe it!)

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Title: This Week in iPad - Akshay Kothari Co-founder, Alphonso Labs (Makers of Pulse news reader)

This week we have Akshay Kothari, Co-founder, Alphonso Labs (Makers of Pulse news reader). For more information, show notes, and an upcoming schedule, go to www.thisweekin.com.

Sponsor #1 -- Gazelle (3:00)

Gazelle is a service which will purchase your old or gadgets, video games, cell phones, laptops, digital cameras, PDAs, gaming consoles and cell phones.

News (8:15)

iPad Today -- Leo Laporte's TWIT.TV network will be launching a new iPad-centric show today which will be streamed live at 1:30 PM PT with co-host Sarah Lane. The show will be available later for download on TWIT.TV

Corporations Love the iPad -- Wells Fargo, SAP and Mercedes Benz are increasingly adopting the iPad as a business device.

iPad Cam Case -- A designer has developed a concept case for the iPad which would feature a rotating camera.

Mac Sales -- NPD data showed that Mac sales remained strong, despite concerns that the iPad would cannibalize sales of Mac computers.

Geeks Hate the iPad -- Andrew McAfee wrote an article on Forbes saying that geeks hate the iPad because Apple doesn't, as he believes, allow for open innovation on the device.

Sponsor #2 -- Print Magic (31:00)

"Print Magic" Wellala is also a sponsor of This Week in iPad. The application allows users to print to any Wi-Fi connected printer directly from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch. Users can copy and paste text into the application for printing and users can also print images from the iOS photo library directly. Print Magic and Print Magic HD are available from the App Store. Host Lon Harris said on This Week in iPad that the app is "incredibly fast" and "works like a dream."

Guest - Akshay Kothari (36:00)

Kothari shared that when developing Pulse Reader, Alphonso labs, aimed at building news in a visual manner without focusing on providing the maximum amount of content. Kothari said the biggest pain point for users is the 20 feed limitations, which is done for memory management purposes. He added that Pulse News Reader would allow for more feeds in the next update and providing better organization for feeds.

Kothari said that in the future, news readers would likely no longer sort stories via source and instead users would perhaps share stories in social news clouds in which users could read news that their friends are reading. Kothari said that in the last several weeks that the further development of Pulse has been focused on improving performance of the application.

Harris mentioned the New York Times takedown request which got Pulse News Reader removed from the App Store temporarily. Kothari shared that Pulse included popular reads which many people were adding and that he thought the New York Times got upset because the application was pre-loading their feed. Kothari expressed disappointment that the New York Times went to apple instead of directly to Alphonso Labs and said that his company had a good working relationship with Apple.

Planet of the Apps and Closing Remarks (52:00)

Harris showed off his pencil and rubber band iPad stand and said that he would discuss how to build the iPad stand on next week's show.

Harris thanked the show's technical staff for their hard work on the show.

iBooks

Borders

Barnes & Noble

Kindle

To close the show, Harris thanked Gazelle and Wellala for sponsoring the show and Matthew Paulson of iPad Weekly for being the show's official blogger.

Title: Achievement Hunter Weekly Update #34 (Week of October 25th, 2010)

Jack and Geoff go futuristic this week with a green screen AHWU! Come on folks, join us as we talk about this weeks' releases such as Fable 3, Force Unleashed 2 and much much more.

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Inside Weddings Article

We are proud to have one of the weddings featured in the latest issue of Inside Weddings. Thea Sheinberg & Daniel Chirprut's beautiful wedding was featured in a 10 page spread that showcased their spectacular wedding. Until you have a chance to pick up the Winter 2010 issue (in stands now!), let us provide you with a sneak peak of some of the impeccable details.

The couple wed under an incredible Chuppah that was bursting with hundreds of roses, hydrangeas and snapgragons in hues of lavender, pink and ivory. The aisle was flanked by two large antique-style planters that mimicked the decor on the Chuppah. The Bride's bouquet was an all white arrangement made of crisp white roses, and spray roses and lily of the valley adorned with small pearl in the center of each flower.

Guests were welcomed into the reception tent by two tall arrangements similar to the ones in the ceremony area filled with hydrangea, snapdragons and roses. In between layers of the cake were roses popping out to compliment the romantic feel of the all white cake with a subtle romantic bronze design. The tables were adorned with both high and low arrangements in the same color palette of ivories, pinks, and lavenders. Ivory colored guest napkins were tied with a pale coral satin ribbon and topped off with a soft pink rose in the middle.

For more pictures and a more details go pick up the latest Winter Issue of Inside Weddings.

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Title: Weddings & Events - Inside South Coast Winery

The perfect pairing? Your memorable event and our unforgettable Southern California resort. Inviting indoor and outdoor venues compliment gourmet catering, onsite and nearby activities and private villa lodging, All against a scenic backdrop of rolling Temecula vineyards, with an amazing menu of South Coast wines to toast a truly enjoyable meeting, retreat, family reunion, wedding...

Title: Inside Weddings

http://www.tmwmedia.com/

Discover how-to, when-to and where-to start planning this memorable day. The bride, groom and parents alike will find practical advice on everything from gowns and formal wear to unique places to tie the knot. Includes plenty of tips on cakes, flowers, photographers, caterers and more to make the wedding a dream come true. Features: Bridesmaids dresses, buying the wedding dress, capturing the day, beautiful bouquests, designer cakes, flawless makeup, groom's perspective, unique weddings, perfect planning, superstitions, vows at city hall and second time weddings.

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Modern Luxury Weddings, a Bridal Event at the Ritz Carlton San Francisco

 

Are you doing anything fun this weekend? Why not checkout Modern Luxury Weddings, a Bridal Event taking place at the Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco. Karissa and I will be there helping to represent MBWEP (Monterey Wedding and Events Professional). The Event takes place on Sunday from 1-4pm and promises to be an amazing day of Wedding Luxury. With the Champagne flowing, Martini Bars hoping, A special Vera Wang and Monique Lhuiller Fashion Show and over 80 exhibits, how can you miss it????

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Title: Malaysia Home For Sale - Kuala Lumpur Modern Luxury Property

This luxury home is located in the most exclusive and quiet community. This modern luxury home offers at RM3.0 Million. For full details, kindly contact Vincent Yim at 019 3320 367 or visit www.VincentYim.com.my

Title: Modern Architecture Luxury Villa 'MAHINA'

VIPS are delighted to introduce you to 'Mahina' 'Mahina' is from a new generation of visionary architecture... works of art you can live in. VIPS only associate with the very top echelons of exclusivity Please contact us if you would like more information on commissioning one of these astounding and iconic works of art for your property portfolio. stephenrumney@hotmail.com TECHNICAL INFO: • Mahina uses Diamante glass. This glass has a very low iron content and does not have the usual green tint of a standard glass. The glazing is structural and is mostly 32mm thick. Many of the panels can move, for example the master bedroom façade can slide and stack on both sides for 10m. • The complete façade has two sets of blinds, one set of shade blinds and one set of block out. These are remote controlled and can make any room or area private. The blinds neatly roll up into the ceiling spaces meaning they cannot be seen when not in use. • The whole building has been designed to sustainable principles. The house has a very high available thermal mass and the temperature is regulated by water cooling/heating in the floors and walls (arches). Warm water collected from warm days is stored for the evenings and cooler days. This system combined with geothermal heat exchangers allows for well regulated temperatures with low external energy input. • A natural ventilation system deals with the high thermal gains the house receives during the day. This includes underground wet rock cooling chambers and hot air extraction through the roof. Effectively cooling is controlled by dragging cool air through underground chambers and expelling the warm air through the roof.

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Adele & Phil Eccles "Pink & Pewter" Wedding at The Inn at Whitewell

Adele had her first experience of Flower Design back in May when she was a beautiful Bridesmaid for the gorgeous Nicola.
We were really excited when Adele called us to arrange an appointment to discuss flowers for her own wedding, the first meeting with our Sally went like a dream and the rest as they say is history.

First Stop Mitton Hall to deliver the Bridal Bouquets...

The thing about Adele is not only does she adore Phil but she is seriously devoted to fresh flowers, what more could a florist like me wish for?
I normally approach the delivery of the bridal flowers with an element of trepidation, butterflies in my tummy and all of those ridiculous doubts; Will she love it? Will her Mum Love her corsage? Will the Bridesmaids be serious Hay fever sufferers a detail omitted from appointments? Etc etc.
But no such concerns in this case I had no worries just complete excitement followed by utter exhilaration when I un-covered the bouquets, I dream of reactions like this to our work, so thank you Adele, you made my day!

Simple swags of fresh flowers and berries dress the small Lytch Gate, we added some illuminated lanterns to keeps insects at bay.

The very handsome Groom Phil

Phil's special Boutonierre of a Faith Rose, Champagne Grass, Eryngium, Inga berries and fresh Sedum, the overall look is vaguely autumnal yet befitting of an Indian Summer day.

The number one usher Tom, who seemed to be given more jobs than any other of the Groom's Men, I suspected he was the most responsible amongst them and a superb job he did too. Church Pedestal Design

St Michael’s at Whitewell is a simple small Church set in the most exquisite landscape, fresh flowers enhance the interior radically the scale is such that just a couple of well chosen designs and pew end decorations make a huge difference.

Fresh Pew End dressings; posies of fresh roses and Lissianthus

The Groom's Mum's Corsage in Cream & Chocolate Brown

This couple are superb, Phil was equally as enthusiastic if that were possible, he’s also a Burnley supporter unlike the marvelous Minister at St Michael’s who arrived sporting a Blackburn scarf, now truth be told I have no understanding of this phenomenon, but it certainly caused a stir amongst the Groom’s Men, not to mention a touch of hilarity.

I arranged lanterns with Rose Petals, Mosses & green Guordes in the entrance porch

Here Come the Boys!

Chris the Best Man & Phil

And then the Girls! Beautiful Flower Girls Lauren & Amelia

Brides Mum looking stunning with a soft pink Corsage to compliment her oufitFresh Flowers arranged in the hair of the Bridesmaids

"A little help from a friend"

The most gorgeous bride arrives with her Dad in a Malvern car

"Look at that Lytch Gate"

Cheeky!

Florist of the future

The moment Phil had been waiting for

Ginormous Congratulations love from all the events team at

Flower Design

Can you keep a secret?

How do you do?

Lots of Flower Design Friends...

Black & White Wrist Corsage

In Adele's Wedding Bouquet I included the full range of Pink & Ivory David Austin Roses together with pink Snowberry, Ivy Flowers, Fresh Black Dill, Inga Berries and thistles, I used a superb selection of silver grey foliages to frame the bridal bouquet

The Flower Design Seating Plan at the entrance to The Marquee at The Inn at Whitewell

The Marquee looked fabulous with

silver grey sashes on the chairs, we dressed the tables with a selection of designs in silver grey wrought Iron containers.

This table centre in a small garden urn was filled with fresh Blackberries, Amaranthus, Snowberries, Roses and herbs and foliages.

This one is arranged in a wide Bird Bath which looks fabulous on a 5ft table, the flowers and textures worked brilliantly, we also placed glass candelsticks on each table.

Tall table candelabras dripping with jasmine & Passion flowers

I Love this photograph

The top table design with rose petals and guordes dressing the outer reaches of the table.

Sharon from The Inn serving delicious Canapes

Jason and I had the most wonderful day with this lovely family, thank you for letting us be a part of it.

Here's a link to Nicola & Paul's Wedding where Adele was a Bridesmaid

The very original and dynamic photographer for the day was the lovely Tobiah Tayo here's a link to his amazing shots that totally put my amateur efforts to shame Link

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Title: Adele - Someone Like You [Later... With Jools Holland] [HD]

Adele performing a brand new 2010 album track "Someone Like You" live on "Later... With Jools Holland"

Second Album "Adele - 21" release: 24th January 2011
BBC 2 (c) 2010

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Title: Adele - Someone Like You (on 'Later Live with Jools Holland') - Nov 2010

LYRICS:

I heard that your settled down.
That you found a girl and your married now.
I heard that your dreams came true.
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you.

Old friend, why are you so shy?
It ain't like you to hold back or hide from the lie

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I'd hoped you'd see my face & that you'd be reminded,
That for me, it isn't over.

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I'll remember you said:
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead.

You'd know how the time flies.
Only yesterday was the time of our lives.
We were born and raised in a summery haze.
Bound by the surprise of our glory days.

I hate to turn up out of the blue uninvited,
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it.
I'd hoped you'd see my face & that you'd be reminded,
That for me, it isn't over yet.

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I'll remember you said:
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead".

Nothing compares, no worries or cares.
Regret's and mistakes they're memories made.
Who would have known how bittersweet this would taste?

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I'll remember you said:
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"

Nevermind, I'll find someone like you.
I wish nothing but the best for you too.
Don't forget me, I beg, I'll remember you said:
"Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead"
Sometimes it lasts in love but sometimes it hurts instead.

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