Mini Girls Day Out.

And when I say "mini" I really mean, mini...*laughs* Basically it was last minute and I had originally agreed to go because my brother's fiance was going to pick up her wedding dress from the person who altered it. And then Amanda decided to invite our other friend Sera to come along as well. She is also getting married, but she will be having her wedding in Baltamore...but it will be like two weeks after my brothers. Her fiance is currently deployed though and won't be back [hopefully] until two weeks before the wedding...so we are having fingers crossed on that whole thing.

Well, Amanda's dress appointment was at 7:30pm...and it takes about 30-45 minutes to get there so we were going to leave at 6:15 so that we can stop at our favorite cafe La Tour...oooooh! I love that place! I adore their macaroons! SUPER adore the macaroons! But when I got home from my preschool work, I noticed that WOW! My succulent leaves were starting to root and some where even growing leaves!

It was about time! Passion Roots had done a wedding about a month ago that involved succulent plants and we had to wire some of them...so in order to wire them, we had to pull some of the leaves off. I took a lot of those leaves and just laid them out so that they can start to root. One type of garden that I want to start at my new place is a mini succulent garden. [I also want an orchid garden and herb garden! :) So instead of going out and spending money on buy succulent, I decided to try my had at propagating the leaves. So this is my first time.

The instructions given to me was to just leave the leaves out. Make sure that they are out in indirect light. If they are in direct sunlight, it will literally burn the roots dead...but in a shady place with natural light. That has my patio screaming all over it! *laughs* So, since I had some time to kill, I decided to relocate the little leaves into pots of their own.

But it doesn't even stop there! I guess I got a little pot happy. *LAUGHS!* NO! Not that kind of pot!

When I was done doing this, I went back inside to wash off and wash the things that I used. Then I came back outside and realized that I didn't like how there were SO many pots...so I decided to move EVERYTHING...well, most everything to one container...at least for the time being.

And I was definitely much more happy. When they start really growing more, I might move them to their own places...but for now, this is good enough.

NOW when I was done with this, I was ready to get ready to meet my friends. I did lay down for a few minutes [30 minutes] and decided to get ready to meet my friends.

Before going to pick up Amanda's dress we were able to stop by La Tour...and you want to see the reason why I love this cafe?!

Macaroons!!!!!! Today I got Mango, Blueberry Cheesecake, and Strawberry Cheesecake. I was bummed that my favorite Cinnamon Bun wasn't there! Oh mandope, that one is a yummy one! :)

Then I did get my Crispy Chicken Tenders.

*laughs* As you can see, I couldn't help but to eat my Strawberry Cheesecake macaroon! *laughs* But Sera said something that cracked me up! "I need to eat my macaroons now! [this was even before our main meal had come out and we were still wait!] Something might happen and I might die. And I would hate for these macaroons to go to waste." Oh mandope...the way she said it was too funny! :) And just letting you know, NOPE! I didn't eat the fries. I dislike potatoes!

But after we ate, we went next door to David's Bridal and Amanda tried on her dress and liked it. The we left for home. All the while we were laughing. Talking. And just relaxing from the chaos in our classrooms. Yes, we are all teachers. :)

I love flowers.

For some reason, I have been really tired this week. And for the first time in forever...or pretty close to forever, when I called Shilhi to ask if she needed me to come in to Passion Roots today, I was hoping that she would say that she didn't need me so that I could just go home and just knock out. I must have been extremely tired because I LOVE that job and I always look forward to my next day working with an amazing staff and gorgeous, extremely beautiful flowers. And she did tell me that she didn't need me and a part of me was sad because I wanted to go in and just be with people who always seem to make the world a little bit better when you are in their presence.

Less than 5 minutes later, Shilhi texted me and said that actually YES, they did need me because she didn't realize that there was going to be a lot of flowers that were going to come in that needed processing. I know that a lot of people do not like processing...but I actually do like to process flowers.

When the flowers come in, they are in boxes. A lot of boxes; sometimes so daunting because it seems like the flowers will never end...but they have been without water and without care for at least a day and when you first take them out, they look nearly dead and you think to yourself..."Ew, really?! We're going to use these dead things?!" But I know better now, because that is why we process the flowers. I love getting the opportunity to watch the flowers come back to life and fill the studio with so much happiness! I am so not joking! If ever you are in the area...you should stop by because it's probably the closest to magic that you might experience. Well, no I take that back...but pretty close. :)

Today when I got to the studio, Shilhi was busy doing the finishing touches to these ridiculously amazing centerpieces. They were full of textures, colors, beauty! The colors alone just made me not want to look away! While she was doing these centerpieces, Ivy was creating these gorgeous, lush, chair swags for the bride and groom made out of silver dollar eucalyptus leaves, lemon leaves, and accents of gorgeous orchids. And I had the honor of processing, if I remember correctly, 9 boxes of flowers: beautiful, bright, yellow roses, hydrangeas, and, lots and lots of gorgeous smelling lilies.

These flowers just added to the ridiculous colors that the studio had already from the wedding that that Ivy and Shilhi were currently doing. They were preparing for two events and it was just color everywhere.

Ironically enough, I was just discussing flowers with a friend of mine who is getting married next year. She was having difficulties trying to figure out what kind of flowers that she wanted at her wedding. I suggested to her to look up proteas (although they are beautiful, not one of my favorite flowers) because it seemed like she was looking for flowers that had a protea's characteristic. So of course when I walked into the studio I noticed that we had a single protea waiting to be used. So I quickly snapped a picture of it to send to my friend. She replied back that she had never seen that kind of flower before but it is now on her list of flowers that she will consider to have at her wedding. We used the particular beauty for a single arrangement that we are donating for a race that will be held tomorrow. I don't remember what race it was, but I'm bummed that I forgot to take a picture of it.

My friend Ashley has been having a hard week this week and so when I saw these orchids...these bright and happy looking orchids, I decided to also send her a picture of them...they are her most favorite flowers and I knew that she could use a cheer me up types of thing and so I sent her pictures of the orchids that Shilhi was using for her arrangement.

While Ivy and I was was putting these arrangements in the refrigerator, we were commenting on how huge, lushful, and gorgeous the colors went together! Whoever the bride is, I hope she is happy with this arrangement, because from the arrangements alone, I can tell that she is has a very vibrant kind of personality! :)

I am glad that they needed me tonight. I always leave the workplace with a happy heart and I'm not as tired as I thought that I was. But I think it's time to call it a night for now. Sweet dreams all! :)

HBD, Ashley!!

Before I start the day, I would like to take the time to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to one of my closest friends! The quote, "Friendship isn't about who you've known the longest. It's about who walked into your life, and said, "I"m here for you" and proved it." Comes to mind when I think of this beautiful (inside and out) lady.

I met Ash while working at my previous preschool. She became my aid...and we were the best together! We realized that we got a long really well, and that we just "clicked." We "got" each other and you could tell with how the children reacted to us.

I knew that I could count on her as an aid...and before long I realized that as a friend she puts just as much dedication into it as she does for her passion for children. In those few short months that we were in the same classroom, our keikis thrived and the parents could see it. We were a good team...but as they all say, all good things come to an end.

But I have no doubt that my friendship with this girl will know a long journey before (if it ever comes to it) it will end. 

I can say with certainty that no matter where I go in life...this girl will always have my back. And just for who she is...she deserves the best of everything. She deserves happiness...and one day, I pray and hope that she finds it. Happy birthday, Ash...I'm so glad that you are in my life. I love you! 

Gorgeous!

I worked super late last night and then I just got home just a few minutes ago...and before I knocked out, I wanted to post up some of the beautiful flowers that I got to work with! These are pictures from last night and also this morning.

We had the privilege to design two wedding today...and wow, both weddings were full of color and just so beautiful and happy looking! What am I saying, nearly all the weddings that I've work have always been so unique and gorgeous! :) I so love my Passion Roots job! I am so blessed to be able to work with amazing people. Even though we all have our own special jobs with the company, I love when we are all together...because my boss, Shilhi (who is also like a sister to me...well, IS a sister to me!) makes sure before she hires anyone that we would all get together. One thing that I love about her is that she has an eye for potential in people. She is an amazing person to talk to, and she is just an amazing person to work with. She takes the time for you out of her busy schedule...and she is one of the most genuine person I know! AND she is SUPER talented and totally humble about it. I love how she loves to share her work with anyone who is willing to learn. She is pretty amazing. Everyone at my job is pretty amazing. Like I said, I love my job.

Well, since I'm pretty tired this time around, I will just go ahead a post some of the pictures that I was able to take and then take a nap so that I can do some things before going to my other job tomorrow!

Isn't this simply GORGEOUS! I love the colors! I love the texture! I even love the gold container that we used for the arrangement! The colors are just so happy looking...and I adore roses and orchids! :)

Like I said earlier...we were doing two weddings at the same time...and this pieces just took my breath away! Look how happy those yellows are! :)

Oh goodness...how can you be sad when you are around such beautiful flowers! :)

The textures are amazing...!

And here is the place where all the magic is created. I love creating. I love flowers. I love my job. :)

Fun with pink.

I needed to do my nails so bad! I hadn't done my nails in nearly two weeks...but I also knew that I needed to do them fast...because I had a lot to do before going to work. I just got home and I am so glad that I didn't have to stay too late, because I just wanted to come home already. But I am actually proud of my nails. I told myself that I was going to do my nails at 3pm...because I and to be at work at 7:pm...and I wanted to make sure that they would be dry so that I wouldn't mess them up.

I painted my nails in one of my favorite go-to design when I am in a rush...this design doesn't take more than 20 minutes to do...if that! I decided to do it in pink because it is my favorite color...and I just like this color combination of pink, black, white, and silver...and of course the silver had small glitter flakes...so it is SO me. *laughs* I speed up the drying time I sprayed hairspray on it after a few minutes of letting it dry on it's own. It really does speed up the drying process. And that was good thing because I had lost track of time and I literally finished my nails at like 6:15pm! And look at that! They didn't even get messed up. :)

Today I worked with orchids...and it has been a LONG while since I posted up one of the flower arrangements...I still like doing bouquets...but occasionally if I finish with the bouquets fast enough, I help with the center pieces. I only was able to remember to take a picture of one of the arrangements that my friend actually finished...and it's gorgeous...in person it was an amazing piece. In picture, its was kind of hard to capture the amazing colors and textures of this arrangement...but check this out...

It is just bursting with orchids! My phone was unable to capture how vivid the colors are...but trust me, it was gorgeous. :) Well, now I am just going to crawl into bed...write a little bit in my journal and then knock out. :)

Purple+Green Wedding.

The very first wedding that I worked for Passion Roots, was a purple and green wedding theme...today brought back memories of that first wedding and showed me and how far I've come since that first time.

As always, I love working for Passion Roots. It's such a wonderful environment overall. My co-workers are amazing...working with flowers is something that makes me smile...and just how can you have a bad time when you work with gorgeous orchids!

Today, I learned a new skill...and I have to say that the results were brilliant.

The center pieces were lush and full. The accent part of this piece are the green cymbidiums...and I learned a different way to wire the orchids...which I thought was pretty cool, time-consuming, but cool none-the-less!

I have made plenty of different kinds of bouquets...and I absolutely love how each bouquet is unique. These bouquets are gorgeous and unique as well. These green anthuriums were binded together with ti leaves and twine. I thought it was beautifully done!

Congratulations to the new bride and groom!

"Blowing out someone else's candle doesn't make yours shine any brighter."-anonymous

Flowers!

I think that today would have to be my favorite day of Teacher Appreciation week! Today we got flowers...and wow, I was amazed with the beautiful flowers that I got today! I loved them all and I sooo appreciate the thoughtfulness of my keiki who took the time to get me flowers...because flowers make me happy!

I know that I have the wonderful opportunity to work with the beautiful creations of flowers...but I still LOVE and always APPRECIATE when some gives ME flowers! Oh, how I love love flowers...so very much!

Here are gorgeous anthoriums from Benji. There are two of them...one plant is pink and the other is red. They are so vibrant in color...so beautiful! I love them! :)

Here are gorgeous pink calla lillies from my Brody...I love them. They grow so fast and so beautiful! I love them!

Now this amazing flower, I get to keep FOREVER! From my little "handsome" Jahziah. It was made with coffee filters...! Amazing! And gorgeous colors! :)

And I can not forget my amazingly, beautiful, and breath-taking phalaenopsis orchids! Aren't they just the most gorgeous ever! Roses and orchids will forever be in my top favorite flowers (bill balls taking top favorite! :))

And I just adore the way that they made it personalized for me. They are from my lil opih'i Elijah.

Yes, I loved today. I love that my keikis brought me flowers...I love my job. :)

"Let the beauty we love be what we do."--Rumi

Orchids Galore!

I haven't had the opportunity to process flowers in a long time because of my work schedule...but today I "got lucky"....and was able to process lots and lots of orchids! Beautiful, beautiful orchids!

I also had to prep these vases with tea leaves...it brought me back to when I first worked for this company...I think this was the second thing I had to do ...put tea leaves in glass vases...it was SOOO far back ago...and let me tell you...it's not as easy as it looks! But I didn't give up...and wow, I had forgotten what it was like to do the "basics"...since usually I'm usually the one designing and putting together already...I miss this. The whole processing and prepping part of the job. Don't get me wrong, designing is super exciting and fun. I love it...but processing and prepping is also a big part of it all...and it was a good reminder.

Ed stayed with me in the studio as I did my work...and he made work fun. It's so relaxing to be able to go to the studio after a long day of work and the people that I work with are amazing. It's like very cheap therapy. No joke. Ed is a prankster...and I had to make him PROMISE not to do his death scream while it was only me because it seriously stops my heart...but I'm glad that he was there to keep me company. His "prank" that he left for Shilhi to find in the morning was her water bottle with a sticker of floral food. It's not...so no harm done...but Shil's reaction to things like this is priceless...and yes, I love her...as my boss and as my sister. :)