[media_DIYcorsage.jpg] For many teens, prom is the first time they will order flowers, hire a limo driver or make a reservation for dinner at a fancy restaurant.According to Conde Naste publications prom expenses average $1200. Hilda Jimenez, DIY Style Diva for The LA Flower District California Flower Mallshares frequently asked questions and answers about prom flowers and cost saving ideas:

What is the hottest corsage for proms?
Two popular styles are wrist corsages and small hand-held nosegays. Popular flowers are mini (or sweetheart) roses, standard roses, dendrobium orchids, alstroemeria lilies and other small flowers such as cornflowers and freesia. Hot body flower styles include gerbera flower anklets, armbands, rings, shoes, low back dress corsages and flowers for your hair or neck.   

My prom budget is limited. Are there less expensive flowers that won't make me look "cheap"?
DIY prom flowers are hot. You can save 70-80 percent off retail prices with discount flowers from DIY friendly vendors at  The LA Flower District California Flower Mall, create your own design and get the exact look, color, ribbon, bling and flower choices you want. If DIY flowers are not for you, tell your florist what your budget is and ask him or her for ideas. An inexpensive flower used in a lovely corsage style can be just as beautiful as a more expensive bloom. Alstroemeria and lilies are a good choice, so are mini carnations.

How do I let my prom date know what type of flowers I really want?
Don’t leave it up to his Mom. If you have your heart set on a certain corsage style or type of flower, then there is nothing wrong with letting your date know what you would like. You might suggest going to The LA Flower District California Flower Mall or a florist shop together so you can order his boutonniere to match your corsage. If you’re crafty and creative do it yourself with discount flowers from wholesale flower vendors. There are plenty of DIY prom flowers “How To” videos to guide you. Too much pressure?

Do your homework online www.aboutflowers.com is a good site to start with . Send him a few photos of flowers and ask what he would like for his boutonniere. Be sure you also send a photo of what you want and include ribbon colors and other specific details.

How far in advance should I plan and order my flowers for the prom?

Remember that prom season is also peak wedding season so popular flowers such as sweetheart roses, white roses and certain orchids used to create decorative body flowers are in high demand and prices tend to be higher. You can do DIY flowers on the fly a day or two before the prom, as long as you plan your DIY design, ribbon and flower selection a week before. If you are working with a florist, order at least two weeks in advance so that your florist has time to order necessary quantities and ensure you get what you really want. Show them your dress or a swatch of fabric from your dress and ask them to customize the ribbon to your dress or ask to see their ribbon selection and choose one yourself. 

[media_choosing_flowers.jpg]Los Angeles, CA May 4, 2010– Burst through recession blues with cheap flowers for Mother's Day and Dia de las Madres at The Los Angeles Flower District California Flower Mall. Treat Moms to a dazzling springtime adventure at the largest wholesale flower district in the U.S. and save 70 – 80% off retail prices. Let Mom pick her own flowers from tons of farm fresh blooms at the largest new wholesale Los Angeles flower markets in the LA Flower District. Here are five recession busting tips to shop for Mother’s Day flowers in the LA Flower District like a pro:   

1. The LA Flower District California Flower Mall caters to the wholesale trade:
   • California Flower Mall wholesalers welcome both trade and Do-It-Yourself DIY florists. There is no admission charge to enter CFM
   • Some vendors sell to individuals without a “resale license” others don’t.
2. Mother’s Day is the busiest wholesale flower holiday of the year:
   • Start your Mother’s Day adventure before 7am Saturday to beat traffic and street closures
   • Relax while Mom picks blooms from the biggest selection of fresh cut flowers and plants in the country
   • Price bargaining is acceptable – the best deals are on Friday or Sunday afternoon near closing time.
3. CFM is open 24/7 from 4am Saturday to 8pm Sunday and weekdays to 8pm. It’s the only wholesale flower market open late weekdays and all night before Mother’s Day:
   • Arrive before 7 am Saturday for the best experience
   • Stroll the colorful sidewalks of the eight block flower district and enjoy a festival of fragrances and colors that dazzle the senses.
4. Plan to pay cash for your purchases.  An ATM is located on the San Pedro St. side of CFM.
5. CFM has front door surface level customer parking with proof of purchase for quick in and out access:
   • Holiday parking policies and prices are subject to change during busy holiday weeks so arrive very early for parking deals too
   • Bring a vase or bucket with water to keep flowers fresh if you plan on stopping for brunch before you can get your flowers home.

The silver lining in a recession is learning to value the magic of simple gestures and heartfelt gifts you can truly afford to honor Moms. This year let Moms special weekend blossom into a joy filled celebration of pure love and appreciation.        

[media_Feliz Dia de las Madres.jpg]Los Angeles Mother’s Day 2010 will be a “Momtastic” jubilee as Mexican Mother’s Day - Dia de las Madres – one of the most important holidays in the Spanish speaking world and U.S. Mother’s Day celebrations converge on May 9 and 10. LA Flower District California Flower Mall wholesalers will open 4am - 8pm Mother’s Day week and remain open round the clock from 4 am Saturday through 8pm Sunday, to sell hundreds of varieties of farm fresh wholesale and discount Mother’s Day flowers at prices 70-80 percent below retail. “Folks can stretch their budgets here with blooms to delight every Mom in their life for every Mother’s Day tradition” says Mark Chatoff, President of the LA Flower District California Flower Mall.              

In Mexico and among Mexican-American families, Mother's Day is celebrated on May 10th every year, regardless of the day of the week, unlike in the U.S. and 60 other countries where it is celebrated on the second Sunday – May 9^th this year.

According to Hilda Jimenez, California Flower Mall Site Development Director, a Mexican-American whose family homeland is in Tepatitlan, Jalisco, Mexico, Dia de las Madres is almost as sacred as Christmas in the Latino culture. Jimenez explains “Typically, preparations begin weeks before. The celebration begins on Dia de las Madres Eve when the entire extended family gathers together to honor and celebrate all the Mothers in the family – Mom’s, Grandmothers, Sisters, Aunts, and even expectant mothers. Moms are often serenaded by a mariachi band, given gifts, fresh flowers – red and pink flowers are traditional Dia de las Madres favorites – and treated to a nice meal at home or out at a restaurant.

Mother's Day is the third-largest card-sending holiday in the United States but ranks as the number one card-sending season for Hispanics, even higher than Christmas and Valentine’s Day. Arlette Torres, editorial director for Sinceramente Hallmark who was born in Mexico, underscores the importance of mothers to Hispanic consumers. "Mothers are beloved, deeply respected, revered figures in the Hispanic community,” she says. “Her children view her as the source of goodness and love, affection, warmth and forgiveness. She is the idealized female figure, unequaled by other women.”

According to the 2008 U.S. Census, 48 percent of people in Los Angeles County are of Hispanic or Latino origin.

 [media_mothers_day_card.jpg]At a loss for words when delivering your Do-It-Yourself flower bouquets and arrangements to all of the Moms in your life? Here’s a quick and easy cheat sheet to tickle your mind for the perfect expression of your love:

If there was a day for everything you have given to me as a mother, it would be Mother's Day every day.

Thanks for always helping me to remember what is important in life... and today it is you!

Thank you for always being there, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Mom, I picked these just for you. Happy Mother's Day!

Everyday I think of the way you made my life special. Happy Mother's Day!

Mom's the universal word for love. Happy Mother's day!

How do I spell love? M-O-M! Happy Mother's Day!

Because of you, I am me. Happy Mothers Day

There are a thousand languages in the world but a Mother's smile speaks them all.

Hope your day is sunshine and flowers with happy thoughts to fill the house.

To the greatest mother in the world!
Thanks for the gift of life!

To thank you for the little things you
always say and do, and to wish you all
the happiness that life can bring to you!


May the joy and love you give away,
return to you this Mother's Day!

Lasting joy and happiness,
that's what you're wished today.
And with that wish, a world of love
is being sent your way!
Happy Mother's Day!!

You have a very special place,
that no one else can fill...
because you mean so much to me,
and you know you always will!
Happy Mother's Day!!

Thanks so much for all you do!
Happy Mother's Day!!

Sit back and relax! You deserve it!
Happy Mother's Day!!

You're loved with a love that grows,
from one day to another.
Because you have been, and you will always be,
a dear and wonderful mother!
Happy Mother's Day!

Thank you for bringing me into the world!

Thanks for always helping me to remember what is important in life... and today it is you!

Thanks for all you are and all you do.

If I have never said thank you for bringing me into the world I'd like to do that now.

No way I'd miss this - Happy Mother's Day.

Mom, you're the best. Happy Mother's Day.

Thank you for always being there, Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Mom.... You're the best! Thanks for all you do.

I'm so glad you're my Mom!  Happy Mother's Day!

A mother is beautiful in her patience, in her wisdom, and above all her love. You are an angel.

Not only my mom, but also my best friend.

A mother is a special lifelong friend

Loving wishes to my mom. You mean the world to me.

Mom, in our hearts you have a special place

MOTHER: Memories, Outstanding, Tender, Heart, Expressive, Radiant

Love on Mother's day and always

A mother holds the key to your heart.

There's never been a minute I wasn't glad you were my Mom. (Except when you goofed up my bangs!)

 [media_DIY_Flower_Arrangement.jpg]We all want to surround ourselves with peaceful, positive energy, and nature is a powerful and proven tonic. The down economy has been stressful for families, this year more than ever Moms need and deserve flower gifts that create homes where they feel happy, harmonious, loved and completely disconnected from the hectic pace of their busy routines. Our Do-It-Yourself Mother’s Day Flower Guide gives you easy, affordable and wonderful ways to use flowers to honor Mom soothe her soul and inspire her celebration of the joy of life.

Embracing tips from Jayme Barrett, personal fulfillment expert and a leading authority on inspired living, anyone can transform their Mother’s home into a soothing refuge, haven, retreat or sanctuary for Mother’s Day. You can introduce a range of positive floral energies in your Mom’s home with these simple, do-it-yourself directions to creating arrangements inspired by Barrett’s interpretation of feng shui. Her seven soul-stimulating energies include gratitude, wellness, inspiration and motivation, love and romance, new beginnings, serenity, and prosperity. Her floral formula factors in color combination, shape and significance, vase style, placement in the home and flower variety.

Use these floral designs to express love, honor and gratitude for the Moms in your life. Create a soul nurturing sense of serenity, prosperity and inspiration this Mother’s Day and have money left to pick-up the brunch check with DIY farm fresh, wholesale and discount flowers from LA Flower District California Flower Mall vendors:

Gratitude: Reminds us to be grateful for the little blessings in life

Key Colors: A low, clustered arrangement in all shades of pink symbolizes opening the heart and making others more receptive to you.

Vase Style: A glass container of any size is fitting, as its transparency exhibits openness.

In the Home: To start and end the day counting your blessings, place this depiction of gratitude on a nightstand, dresser or in the kitchen.

Suggested Flower Options: Ranunculus, alstroemeria, tulips, spray roses

Wellness: Evokes balanced feelings of mind, body and spirit

Key Color: Yellow is the primary color for this emotional energy, as it represents the sun, life force and health. Supplement a big burst of blooms with greens, which induce nature’s healing energy, and white, which reflects serenity.

Vase Style: Choose an oval or round, terra-cotta, wood or bamboo container to replicate the Earth’s element, providing grounding and balance.

In the Home: Locate this energy in the living room or family room to enhance the space of relaxation, meditation and family connection.

Suggested Flower Options: Gerbera, carnations, solidago, hydrangea (white or green), callas, pompons, chrysanthemums

Inspiration and Motivation: Infuses the soul with rejuvenating energy

Key Color: Red epitomizes motivation, fame, courage and power. Design an up-shooting spray that also includes sensuous, rich orange and fuchsia, which suggest enthusiasm and exuberance.

Vase Style: A tall mirrored or shiny metal container of any kind will stoke inspiration. Mirrors boost positive energies and bring good luck, which will circulate through all endeavors.

In the Home: The home office is an ideal place to inject motivational energy — or the power of now. Anyone will feel encouraged to reach for the stars and live life to the fullest.

Suggested Flower Options: Roses, callas, Asiatic lilies, snapdragons, hypericum

Love and Romance: Sparks intimate connections and blossoming love

Key Color: A tight bunch of flowers flush with burgundy and red embodies feelings of passion and romance. Incorporating lush pinks and peaches will help invite love and inspire kindness.

Vase Style: A circular vase is the perfect shape for never-ending love.

In the Home: Spark feelings of adoration during a meal in the kitchen or dining room. As you nourish your body, you will be dually energized by love and encouraged to show your affection throughout the day and night. Flowers are a great addition to the bedroom too.

Suggested Flower Options: Stock, roses, alstroemeria

New Beginnings: Welcomes change with open arms and mind

Key Color: Stimulate joy, enthusiasm and excitement with a simple arrangement featuring the color orange. Complement it with white — the color of purity and freshness — and green, characterizing new opportunity and growth.

Vase Style: A square, ceramic vase brings an earthy energy, proclaiming that while the sky’s the limit, it’s good to keep your feet firmly rooted on the ground.

In the Home: Put the spirit of new horizons on display on a mantle or coffee table, where it will instill faith, creativity and endless possibility.

Suggested Flower Options: Gerbera, carnations, Asiatic lilies, spray roses, alstroemeria

Serenity: Allows our minds to unwind and release tension, bringing a sense of calm to our lives

Key Color: Loosely arranged hues of blue, violet and lavender evoke serenity and will help clear the mind of stress. Blue represents the ocean and sky, while shades of purple invoke spiritual energy.

Vase Style: A cobalt blue glass vase represents inner wisdom and will help add balance. The blue is yin (soft, curving, cyclical) and the glass is yang (straight, shiny, linear) for a perfect equilibrium.

In the Home: Setting this in the entryway will set the tone for tranquility as you step inside your home from the chaotic world outside.

Suggested Flower Options: Hydrangea, delphinium, lisianthus, stock

Prosperity: Stimulates action and indicates success and richness

Key Color: Let red or deep purple dominate this abundant arrangement, intimating accomplishment and wealth. Accent with shades of gold, the preeminent color for good health and fortune.

Vase Style: Select a metallic, perhaps golden container, representing a pot of gold.

In the Home: Give your home a boost by placing this inspirational bouquet where you welcome guests or potential buyers.

Suggested Flower Options: Lilies, roses, lisianthus, snapdragons