Discover the Joys and Benefits Of Flower Arranging.

Copyright 2006 Rose Mary Flower arranging is an interesting form of art which has many benefits. Most people need some means of creative expression to enhance their lives and for many of them it is the fascinating art of creating flower arrangements which has helped fill the gap. One of the joys of flower arranging is that one has a limitless variety of ways to create flower arrangements. The arranger has the opportunity to exercise his or her imagination and creativity. Every flower arrangement is an end result of the arranger’s handiwork, artistry and skill. A completed arrangement will not fail to give the arranger a great sense of achievement. Flower arrangements are versatile and infinitely changeable. New designs can be created every few days, or long-lasting displays re-arranged to look fresh and original. All these can be done with just some imagination, skill and creativity. Flower arranging not only provides joy to the arranger, the end result also brings joy to others. Many people like receiving flower arrangements as gifts and enjoy having flowers in the interior of the house. Saying kind words with flowers has a greater impact on the recipient than words alone. A flower arrangement can enhance tremendously the attractiveness of the home. It helps to bring fragrance, light and colour into the home. As flowers can be chosen and styled to suit specific rooms or areas, it can be used to enhance any room in the house, from kitchens to bathrooms, stairways to bedrooms. The choice of flowers can do wonders. They can be used to evoke specific moods or complement a special occasion. The colour of flowers plays a great role to create the desired mood. It can be subtle or strident. It can calm or excite, lift the spirits or induce tranquility. Fresh flowers are unsurpassed in beauty and fragrance. With some arranging skills, their versatility will result in stunning floral designs for all occasions. Flower arranging is not a difficult subject to embark on. If you have never tried arranging flowers because you feel it would be too time consuming and complicated, you should realize that arranging flowers is in fact simple, straightforward and enjoyable. It is an activity in which most people can, to a greater or lesser extent, successfully participate. All you need is a working knowledge of the basic flower arranging techniques coupled with a little determination, some imagination and lots of practice. Once you have grasped the few basic guidelines, you can use the ideas you learn as a stepping-stone to fulfill your own floral fantasies. The important thing to note is that flower arranging is a creative process, not just a physical one. There are plenty of possibilities for you to create your own unique designs.

Back to School: Textbook Savings

If you are sending your adult children off to college you know that there are three school related expenses which make up the bulk of your budget: tuition, room and board, and textbooks. The first two expenses are mostly fixed and predictable costs, while the third is impossible to predict as well as a potential budget buster. You may not be able to predict textbook expenses, but you certainly can reduce them by following these three important steps:

1. Shop Online. Your college bookstore has an ironclad grip on textbook inventory, right? Well, at one time that was a true statement. Today, thanks to the internet, websites have sprung up that sell new and used textbooks at prices much lower than those found on campus. Shop with those retailers who have clearly outlined payment, shipping and handling, and return policies. Scan auction sites too for additional savings.

2. Shop Retail. The big bookstore retailers as well as some of the office supply stores carry some titles. At the very least your student can purchase all of his or her supplies off campus, saving you big money in the process.

3. Shop Used. Your campus bookstore knows that having used textbooks on hand will keep them somewhat competitive. The trick with textbook publishers is that yearly updates can make used copies obsolete: planned obsolescence in action! Still, when I was in school I had one professor who encouraged students to pick up the “outdated” copies of one book since he knew the cost was outrageous and he planned on referencing it sparingly. Your student may also learn that some of the titles on the professor's list are optional, not mandatory purchases.

Students today no longer have to feel as if they are being “held hostage” by outrageous textbook prices. Have your student shop wisely and your budget will remain on track.