A favorite story that Stella Skolnik loves to tell to illustrate the power of a gift of flowers is about her son, Michael who is now a young man of 25. When Michael was 8 and wanted to help deliver flowers, he went to the door of a “grumpy old lady.” When she answered the door she had a “mean look” and when Michael said “these flowers are for you, she smiled!” Michael had tears in his eyes when he related this and emphasized “Mom, she smiled! Her whole face changed and her whole face smiled. That was the best!” Even the tip did not impress him as much as that smile!

Stella and Sandy Skolnik, owners of Skip’s Toms River Flowers and Gifts have always known the impact of flower gifts, that’s why they love what they do.

Recently, the researchers at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey released results of behavioral studies on the effects of flowers as a gift. The study demonstrates that flowers ease depression, inspire social networking and refresh memory as we age.

In today’s stressful world, we have all types of experts telling us about the ways to take care of our bodies. A natural and easy way to enhance our lives and de-stress our emotions is with a gift of flowers! Rutgers did not have to tell Michael that flowers have the potential to put a smile on our face, lift our spirits and make us happy…The Power of Flowers!

And there’s more…In the flower shop, people send gifts and regards to friends and loved ones for so many reasons: Get Well, Happy Birthday, Thank You, Thinking of You, With Sympathy, I Love You… What does it say about a person who chooses flowers as a way to convey those feelings? Again, Rutger’s researchers have the answer. According to the Rutger’s Study, both men and women who give flowers are perceived as being happy, strong, caring and successful. They also come across as more emotionally intelligent because they need to express their feelings and take the time to understand what others may be feeling. Female floral gifters are viewed as more appreciative of beauty and nature.

M.J. Ryan, author of The Random Acts of Kindness book series and The Giving Heart, says, “A successful person is not necessarily someone with a lot of money and material goods, but rather someone who is in tune with people and knows how to touch their hearts.” Ryan also says, “I can think of no other item besides flowers that evokes such positive feelings and perceptions of both the giver and the recipient.”

At no time during the year are flowers used to express emotions, especially love and friendship, as on Valentine’s Day, and the most popular conveyor of all that passion is the Red Rose--- the most ancient symbol of love. In our modern times, we use other colors to be more specific about what we want to say “You’re so sweet”- pink roses, “You are my princess”- lavender or purple roses and “I’ll love you forever” red and white together.

Whether you’ll be buying roses or a bouquet of mixed flowers, Stella says buy the best from the best. At Skip’s Florist our flowers have the Veriflora Certified label. That label guarantees that the flowers are grown in an environmentally and socially responsible manner and meet the highest standards for freshness and quality.

In addition, for long lasting flowers, Stella suggests these simple steps.

Buy flowers already in a vase. They are in a food/preservative solution and arranged by our talented design staff. All you’ll need to do is add water daily. If you do choose to buy loose flowers, re-cut them again at home with a sharp knife or shears (never scissors!) and put them into warm water in a clean vase with a packet of our preservative. Make certain that there are no leaves in the water. Keep your bouquet out of direct sunlight and don’t place on warm surfaces…and most importantly… don’t forget to enjoy!

Get ready to feel happier with yourself and everyone around you. YES…that is the power of flowers!