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My flower habit started one summer day long ago. I was at the kitchen sink, in \u201cexhausted mom-wife-housekeeper\u201d mode, when I spotted a slightly droopy Black-Eyed Susan bloom in our backyard. I looked down at the empty pickle jar I had just washed out and knew that flower needed a home. Minutes later, I had a cute little flower arrangement right there in our kitchen. Nothing fancy, but kinda charming\u2014and it made us all smile. Flowers have the power: reducing stress, boosting our moods, and bringing joy and a mother nature connection into our lives.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s summer, and flowers everywhere\u2013even the local supermarket. After checking the Haas avocados to find some ripe ones for my supper salad and hunting down a pint or two of perfect raspberries, I usually head over to the floral department to see what\u2019s on offer.<\/p>\n
Over the years, I\u2019ve figured out the kinds I like best: ones that are sturdy, bold in color, and not too special or pricey when it comes to pedigree. We have a (very) old Dutch colonial cottage in Chicago\u2014solid and lots of great white woodwork everywhere. It\u2019s nothing fancy, just straight-up Midwest hardworking Chicago. I love it, it\u2019s really me, which means the flowers I bring home need to both match the vibe and be ready to work hard as well\/ And how hard will these flowers be working, you may ask? Very hard\u2014the plan is to break up these bouquets and create mini arrangements for at least five different rooms, all for $20 or less.<\/p>\n