White Roses

By Christine Harrell

 For those who hesitate to send flowers to Philippines because they wilt, there is no need to be concerned. Preserving these Philippine gifts is a simple and inexpensive process your loved ones can do in their own home. Dried roses create stunning bouquets and works of art that will bring forth memories for years to come. Here are a few different methods to dry these beautiful flowers.

Air Drying

When you send flowers to Philippines, the recipient can preserve them quickly and easily by air drying them. First, cut the stems to length and remove the leaves. Then, hang them upside down with plain dental floss one by one or hang the entire bouquet by holding them together with a rubber band. To keep their coloring, hang them in a spot such as a closet that is dry, dark, and relatively undisturbed for the two to three weeks needed for the process. Once they are completely dry, spray them with hairspray or an acrylic spray to protect the delicate petals. Just be sure to keep them away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Microwave Drying

When you send flowers to Philippines, you can also send instructions for drying roses in the microwave. The recipient only needs a large container and silica gel. First, pour silica gel into the a large, microwave-safe container, stand the flowers into the container so they open upwards, and pour a light layer of silica gel over top.

Place these Philippine gifts in the microwave uncovered and heat for two minutes at a time at one or two power levels higher than defrost. Keep an eye on the flowers and raise the power level if it doesn’t seem to be drying. When they are done, quickly cover the container and take them out of the microwave. Then, simply off set the lid just enough to let the heat out and let it sit for an entire day before removing the flowers.

Pressing Floral Philippine Gifts

Pressing the flowers is yet another way to preserve them forever. Cut a few inches off the stems and set them in warm sugar water for a few hours. Then, dip the blooms into vinegar to set the colors and set them back into the sugar solution until the petals dry. Cut a hole the size of a quarter in the center of a coffee filter and feed the rose into it just past the green part. Then cut off the bottom portion of the flower

Cut additional coffee filters with holes in the center, slice them from the outside into the center, and feed them into the petal layers dividing them into thirds. Lay this between paper and paper towel. All you have to do next is sandwich everything between cardboard and press evenly with a heavy weight.

When you send flowers to Philippines, it isn’t just a temporary gift. Drying these bouquets are an easy and fun way to keep the gift for a lifetime. When dried correctly these beautiful Philippine gifts can be used to decorate your love one’s home in a variety of creative ways.

Author is a freelance copywriter. For more information on Philippine Gifts

please, visit http://www.islandrose.net.

Cheap and Easy Ideas for Your Wedding Reception
By Dee Power

 Are you getting married, but find it necessary to stay within a certain budget? Don’t worry; you can still have a wonderful wedding reception, without spending a great deal of money. It’s probably easier than you think to have a fabulous wedding on a shoestring budget.

Weather permitting one of the least expensive ways to save money on your reception is to have it in your own backyard: or in a backyard you have ‘borrowed’ from a friend or family member. This option works best for small, intimate, receptions. In any case have an alternative rainy day location chosen. It could be the living room or first floor of your house. You may still need to rent a tarp or covering so your guests aren’t wilting in the sun.

If your reception will be on a larger scale, consider having it at a local park. Pavilions can usually be rented at a very reasonable cost. Many parks have additional facilities such as beaches and play areas, as well. (This type of amenity will be appreciated by the younger guests, in attendance.) Send an advanced group to scout the area for papers, trash, and dog droppings. Folding chairs can be rented so your guests will be comfortable while waiting for the ceremony to begin.

If you plan on decorating with flowers, use those that are in season. Many grocery stores now have lovely floral departments. Talk with the floral manager to see what bouquets she or he is ordering that are in your color scheme. Reserve the bouquets by prepaying for them. A good size bouquet is usually around $10 to $12 that’s far less expensive than an arrangement from the florist. Shop good will stores for glass vases. Use inexpensive candles as the main focal point and the flowers as more of an accent. Doing so will save you money.

(You can easily ‘jazz up’ inexpensive glass candle holders with ribbon and other small embellishments that match your color scheme. These candles can even be given away as wedding favors, at the end of the reception.)

Food doesn’t have to be a huge expense, if you don’t want it to be. Ask your closest friends and family members to bring a dish to pass. You will find that they are usually more than willing to do so.

Another option is to serve several different desserts and beverages, instead of a large meal. The desserts can be purchased from a bakery or your local grocery store. Ask a friend to cut the desserts into serving slices and then store until the wedding. Individual mini tarts, cookies, cupcakes, are other alternatives.

Have the wedding of your dreams on a shoestring budget.

More tips in the free ebook, Weddings on a Shoestring Budget. Dee Power is the author of several nonfiction books. Read her wedding blog More wedding reception ideas

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