ReadOns.com | Discover New Blogs Daily

Avoid these 11 mistakes when gifting flowers

Gifting flowers is a stellar way of expressing love, care, affection, and gratitude. One can also buy flowers to spice up the home during a special occasion. Thanks to the versatility of flowers, the country’s blooms industry is now valued at $5 billion! But people often make mistakes when gifting someone flowers, leading to unnecessary trouble. Read on to find out what these errors are and how to avoid them.

Not knowing what each flower represents
Each flower has hidden symbolism. Knowing these meanings can help one get the right message across and save them from potential embarrassment. Here is a short, handy guide to help one understand what each flower represents:

Red rose : Beauty, romance, and love
Dark Crimson rose : Mourning
White rose : Innocence and purity
Red tulips : True love
Purple tulips : Royalty
Daffodils : New beginnings, rebirth, unrequited love, and eternal life (a single daffodil represents misfortune, so always pick a bunch!)
Lilacs : Confidence and youthful innocence
Violet : Virtue, modesty, and faithfulness
Baby’s breath : Innocence and pureness of heart
Sunflower : Cheerfulness, loyalty, and adoration
Lily : Beauty, pride, humility, and wealth
Orchid : Luxury, beauty, love, strength, and femininity
Daisy : Beauty, purity, and innocence

Ignoring their arrangement
How the flowers are arranged in a bouquet can affect the essence of the gift. A substandard arrangement could ruin the emotion. So, pay close attention to how the bouquet is arranged and packed. Avoid gifting flowers in plastic wraps, as this can harm the environment. Opt for thick wrapping paper, tissue paper, or gift paper for an enclosed arrangement.

Not considering the occasion
In addition to knowing the meaning behind certain flowers, it is essential to consider the occasion for gifting. For instance, sending a bouquet of red roses to a funeral could be disrespectful. As a general rule of thumb, opt for muted blooms for morose occasions (white, yellow, or blue generally work). For birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations, pick brighter, happier flowers. A little research on the topic can help one find the right flowers, colors, and arrangements for any event!

Opting for a generic bouquet
Buying a generic bouquet is convenient, but it might stop one from making a positive impression. So, try to find out what the other person likes and customize the bouquet based on their preferences. Doing so can be a major value-add!

Sending the flowers to the wrong address
One of the most common mistakes people make when ordering flowers is giving a wrong or incomplete address. This error can lead to a lot of frustration, delays, or even missed deliveries. So, pay attention when preparing the address and double-check it while placing the order. It may also be a good idea to check the receiver’s availability beforehand.

Overlooking the filler flowers
When choosing or making a floral arrangement, people often ignore the fillers. Sure, the focus flower is significant, but one must also pay attention to the color and texture of the filler flowers to give the bouquet a more cohesive appearance.

Forgetting to leave a message
While it may not feel like a colossal mistake, forgetting to add a message (or at least a name) can confuse the recipient. So, always leave a card with a personalized message to spell out the emotions behind the flowers and make the gift more special.

Rushing to order at the last minute
Several florists offer same-day delivery. While availing of this service may be okay when running extremely short on time, one should not make it a habit. Last-minute deliveries are often fraught with errors like sending the wrong arrangements and delivering to the incorrect location. So, avoid the rush by placing the order well in advance. If remembering dates is a problem, set a reminder on the phone, add an event to the calendar, or pen down the occasion on a sticky note and hang it on the desk.

Giving the same flowers more than once
Receiving the same floral arrangement time and time again is boring. Unless a person is well aware of the receiver’s choices, they should opt for or create unique arrangements each time. Doing so can go a long way in adding a personal touch to the gift.

Going for cheaper options
Of course, sticking to one’s budget is important when gifting anything. But this does not mean opting for the cheapest flowers at the store. Instead, individuals should look for fresh, pretty flowers that fit well within the budget. To save more and make a heartfelt present, one can take on the task of arranging the flowers themselves. Set the arrangement in a vase or glass bottle, and have fun with the project. It is bound to make the gift feel a whole lot special!

Tacking on a complimentary gift
When ordering online, avoid adding complimentary gifts that do not make sense because it could taint the sentimentality of the gesture! If flowers do not feel like enough, one should take some time to think about a gift that the receiver will genuinely appreciate. For instance, a box of chocolates or a cake could be good options to send alongside a bouquet for an anniversary or a birthday.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.