Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Flower power

I'm always shocked at how much it costs to send someone flowers.

It always seems like such a nice gesture. It's always very exciting at my school when someone get flowers- everyone wants to know: "who are they from?" "what's the occasion?"

I've been 'sent' flowers four times in my life. For my eleventh birthday from my aunt and uncle who lived in NY. For my fifth dating anniversary from my college boyfriend. (There was no sixth anniversary...) For my second anniversary (sent to school- exciting!) from my husband. (He was out of town for an optional training he really wanted to do. Flowers were the consolation prize for me- though still appreciated.) For a "cheer-up" this summer. I'm always excited to get them. It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy. I try not to think of the expense.

My mom's birthday was yesterday. She lives 1500 miles away and while we talk weekly, we don't see each other all that much. My mom loves her birthday. I meant to buy her a card- I'm seeing her in a week and bringing some presents so I didn't buy a specific gift- but didn't do it in time. So I thought to send her flowers.

I went on the F.TD website... many of the "favorites" were... just not my mom...(roses, carnations, mums...) Then I searched for 'lilies' She loves calalilies. They had some colored ones- super pretty. I looked at the price.

$50.

Really? For 18 stems? And a basic glass vase? (Plus another $15 for shipping. Not even delivery from a florist. Fe.dEx in a box.) I almost didn't do it... but I decided what-the-hell. My mom is 62. Young in one sense, but you never know for sure how many birthdays are left.

I sent them to her work. I thought that would be more fun for her. When I called her yesterday afternoon she was literally breathless. So excited and surprised. The front office at her work called her to pick up "a box for you". She thought it was a box for her office and was so surprised it was for her. And the box? She loved it. She said it was packaged so decadently with gold fabric. And she reminded me "I love lilies."

So the $64.99? Totally worth it.

4 comments:

Finn's Mom said...

Getting flowers, especially delivered in full view of the office is so awesome!! FYI, next time you need to order flowers (or anything else for that matter) make sure to check Retail.Me.Not for coupons first. A quick search shows they have a $15 off your order coupon for FTD:
http://www.retailmenot.com/view/ftd.com

I never shop - in person or online - without first checking for coupons there. Sorry I couldn't get this info to you before you ordered!! But like you said, what's $65 in exchange for making your mom so happy?

Just me said...

Darn it! Lara- I usually look for coupons when buying things online, but for some reason I never thought to do it when ordering flowers! Duh. LOL

Amy said...

Damn it, Lara! I just shipped my husband cookies through FTD for his birthday (he's STILL away) and didn't think to look for a coupon. On top of that, I just sent my friend flowers after her father died - same thing - no coupon.

I love flowers too. My husband recently sent me a "sorry our baby died" plant to cheer me up at work. It didn't help much, but at least it is something...

just me, dawn said...

totally worth it! coupon or not :) well done!