Our Heroes…

•  NAME: Sean Bellamy
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My parents deserve flowers because no matter what obstacle or reason I present them with to give up on me, they never have. Immensely inspirational people who are the reason I’ve never given up, either.

• NAME: Kathie Munroe
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: She is a gift to my life, always ready to give but hesitant to take . She is a star among the sky. She has been by my side through good and bad, yet never asking for anything in return. To know her is to be blessed. God gave me a special bundle when He sent her to me.

•  NAME: Kristanna
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My hero is my friend Nate. He lives in Minnesota & I live in Santa Barbara,CA. Once a year, he travels here with his mom to participate in the Barbara Ireland Walk for the Cure. While here in S.B., he noticed our homeless downtown and along the waterfront and wanted to help. So Nate frequently donates to the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission to help feed & house those in need. If that’s not enough contribution to our community, Nate also gives gifts to Christian school Providence Hall located in Santa Barbara.
  I must also share a story of when we were out to eat at a restaurant when Nate saw two young soldiers in uniform a few tables away. When he paid our check he handed ten dollars to the server & told her to bring the soldiers any pie they wanted for dessert and to tell them “thank you”. That’s the kind of thoughtful, wonderful, selfless person Nate is! Nate has such a big heart and gives so much to others. He is such an inspiration to me and is my hero! Flowers from you, Kathy, would make him so happy! He deserves it. Thank you, Kathy:)

• NAME: Beverly Lancaster
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: Eva Lancaster, my hero, is a gracious and loving young woman who adores her work at Brooklyn Children’s Museum in Brooklyn, New York. She works as assistant curator of animals and she lends her expertise in not only caring for many animals, but also educating children and their families about wildlife conservation and animal care. Unfortunately, Eva endures a chronic challenge with GI disease. But, you never see remnants of that challenge on her facial expression, as she glows with appreciation of others. Eva is of depth. Yes, she blesses me daily by being my daughter. She also blesses me my teaching me, loving me…

•  NAME: Donna Jeffords
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My son Brad is my true hero in life. His heart is so good. The love he has for his family and friends is so genuine and he is always there for us. He inspires me by how much he gives to others and never expects anything in return. Giving roses to his loved ones gives him the most joy! He can not give enough roses away! I can only imagine how it would make him feel to be the receiver of such a gift. He would never expect it.

• NAME: Gigi Martin
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My dad is a Marine vet who served during the Vietnam conflict…he instilled a love of God and country in me. We never had much growing up, not even a family car or home phone but we always had what we needed.My dad rode a bicycle every where he went, rain or snow, to work, on “road” trips…He even rode from SC to TN to visit my brother and me while we were in college! His discipline and love for riding made him ride in the MS Bike-A-Thon every year in honor of my former preacher’s wife who is living with MS. My mom and dad did their own once they got an empty nest.

  October 2003 my mother had a massive stroke. In a moment’s notice my dad’s life was turned upside down. Doctors said she would never talk or use her right side but before she left the hospital she was walking with a slow gait and speaking enough words to communicate. While in the hospital my dad got the house ready for mom to return home. He cleaned and discarded years of junk she had accumulated…he gave up riding to be with my mother 24/7. He never asked for or hired on any professional caregivers…he has done it all on his own.

  We used to ask if we could sit with mom to give him a break. He would say no…I thought he didn’t believe we could take care of her so I asked him. He said, “I’m afraid something will happen to me…I might get hit while riding…and I won’t be there to look after her.”

  Like the minutemen in days gone by my dad took charge in a moment’s notice. My mother has very minimal use of her hands so my dad must clothe and bathe her, take her to restroom, etc…he prepares all 3 meals daily and he has become quite the domesticated man. He’s even learning how to cook by recipes and is introducing us to some pretty cool dishes!

  I went to their home one day to pick them up for an outing and he called back to me to hang tight because he was getting Mom ready. I overheard the following conversation: She was upset because she had messed up a clean outfit and he was having to change her. He told her not to worry about it…things happen and that wasn’t going to spoil the wonderful evening we had planned.

  My dad learned how to do my mom’s hair and makeup and he even knows how to accessorize her jewelry with what she’s wearing!

  I saw my dad give up almost all he loved doing: attending church every time the doors were open, part-time job, being in the great outdoors, etc. I thought he had every reason to be bitter so one day I asked him how he does it day in and day out and I’ll never forget his reply. He said, “Every time the good Lord allows me to wake up with her I realize I have been given another day to fall in love with her all over again.” Well, it made me cry, humbled me and made me so grateful for a dad that has honored his marriage vows “thru sickness and in health.” My dad has been faithful!

  September 5th my mother will be 71 years old AND they will celebrate their 49th wedding anniversary!!

  In my opinion a hero is the one who does the in-thinkable  perhaps with the unimaginable…the hero has the ability to turn ordinary into extraordinary…to do what others refuse to do or are not capable of doing.

  My dad raised a family of 6 with just his income because he wanted my mother to be able to stay at home with the children. There were times I saw them go without to provide for us. I didn’t always realize just how bad we had it…I was just embarrassed that we didn’t have the “simple” things like car or phone but I learned that it wasn’t about what we didn’t have but what we did have. We had a home full of love and laughter and a father who made sure his children were well provided for. Now he supports him and my mother on his retirement and SS benefits and doesn’t ask any thing from anyone.

  My dad does have 2 hobbies that he can do at home. He has been busy writing his family memoirs and he loves model railroading.

  To God be the glory, great things He hath done and will continue to do!!

•  NAME: Gretchen Cooper
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My hero is my attorney Jill Gaulding. She has advocated for my rights for two years as I faced gender discrimination in the USA. Despite personal health challenges, she continues to be my foundation of knowledge, strength and courage.

•  NAME: Stephanie Cottrell
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: Betty Soto is my hero, she has survived breast cancer two times, she is a retired school teacher but she still substitutes at least 3 or 4 days a week, when my mom died of cancer 2 years ago Betty took me under her wings and has been a Mother to me, I would just like the chance to let her know SHE IS MY HERO! Thank You, Sincerely, Stephanie

• NAME: Andi Christensen
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: Kellene Lasetter, my mother.She is someone who glows; her smile, her eyes, her blonde hair. Even in my childhood memories, she is surrounded by golden light. She is my protector and my shiny-armored knight. I grew up in an extremely unstable, tumultuous household; my mother was the mediator and glue that held us together. When things got tense, my mother got tough… with a smile. I remember the days, coming home from school crying, feeling scared and alone during that hellish chapter in life we call “middle school”. My mother didn’t coddle me, she talked to me. Sometimes, that’s all it takes. The right ears with the right words; well, she had them. I have seen my mom jump into action when everyone else stands and stares in shock: helping a girl in the Columbus Circle Starbucks who began having a seizure, using my pillow when I was five during a road trip to prop up the bleeding head of a woman who had just had a wreck on an isolated back country road, leaping off the fifth row of bleachers to catch my childhood best friend before her head slammed into home plate as she passed out from heat exhaustion. My mother has saved animals, adults, children, and families.

  She is the kindest, most genuine human being I have ever met. She does not judge, she does not condescend, she does not lie. Even her flaws spring from beauty; her smile is crooked, sometimes she holds the door open for too many people, and she’ll throw herself in front of a bullet if it means everyone else is safe. I don’t know many people like that, and those that I do I hold incredibly near and dear to me.

  I am 24 years old and I still strive to be more like my mom. She is my hero because she embodies selflessness, fearlessness, and a heart so full of love, I’m scared to death one day it will burst.

•  NAME: Diana Soukounian
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My sister , Christine Adamian, is the hardest working teacher. She works in a classroom with 12 special needs students whom she loves giving all of her attention to. She goes to work every day motivated to change the lives of these children.

•  NAME: katelin schrero
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My Aunt has always lived in California and I in Chicago. I have always been closest to her. She has never failed to be there for me through everything in my life. She has dropped everything in her life at times to mentor me on the phone or for months while visiting her. She is always so positive, funny, inspiring, loving, and generous. She has one fear that she speaks of often and that is that she is all alone. She has no biological children and is in LA for over 20 years with no other family. I want her to know she is loved and that she is my hero and mentor. She is not alone. I love her so much!

•  NAME: Hovig
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: My hero is my love, he is very kind and lovable person, handsome, friendly, good personality, I love him very much.

• NAME: david abrantes
• TELL US ABOUT YOUR HERO: Geneva is my hero because she is always there for me. ,through thick and thin, good and bad, always and forever. She is my best friend and my soul-mate  She loves me and takes care of me like its her job. She always helps anyone she can. Be it friends, family, and even strangers and she would do it without even thinking twice. She is the most warm and kind hearted person i have ever met. For that she is my everything and she is MY HERO!!!!!P.s. i see winners would be picked on march 13th (i believe  that would make a wonderful birthday gift for her bday on march 11th. Even if she dosent get the flowers she will still love that she was entered and thought of in this way.
  Thank you

A little thought,

A little imagination,

And a lot of love

We all know that roses and chocolates have always symbolized romance. While traditional favorites are great for Thanksgiving and Christmas, Valentine’s Day is the prefect time for a little non-traditional imagination.

Here are a few ways to re-invent the art of Romance:

Flowers:

All women love flowers, from one single perfect stem to a dozen. And yes men like them too, although they won’t admit it. Instead of a dozen long stem roses, why not try smaller bunches of spring flowers. (Think wedding bouquet, but smaller and all the same flower).

Tulips, gerberas, lilies, hyacinths and even roses make great bouquets.

These can be placed around the house, sent to the office or hand delivered.

A great way to start the day is to place a single flower on the car seat of the person you love. This is sure to give them a warm fuzzy feeling all day. Place the flower the night before. In most places it’s still cool enough for the flower to last until morning. Adding a small note will make it that much more special.

Join us as we celebrate our new partnership with kathy ireland DESIGNS by Organic Bouquet

Food: Make it fun, give it a twist.

The most importance thing to remember is Don’t pressure yourself! Kathy and I always say, “ You don’t have to do it all and it doesn’t have to be prefect.”

If you have children, I know you’re thinking “romantic dinner at home, yeah right!”

Start by planning ahead. Feed the children a little earlier and get them settled for the evening. Call ahead to your favorite restaurant and order your favorites to go, then create a romantic setting at home. Whether it’s a beautifully set table or a picnic on the living room floor, remember some small details can enhance the mood. Music and candlelight are a must. I like Sinatra, Barry White, Tony Bennett, and Diana Krall to name a few. Again, the smaller bunches of flowers work best here, because they add color without competing in size. You can even sprinkle some rose petals around, not only are they pretty, they’re also edible. Checkout Ten Rules of Edible Flowers 

If you decide you want to cook something special, remember it doesn’t have to be complicated to be impressive.

As with this menu.

Strawberry Spinach Salad - strawberries have always been the fruit of love; drizzle with a little champagne vinaigrette and olive oil, you’re set

Lasagna Roll-Ups – a twist on an old favorite; looks impressive without the fuss

Pears avec Chocolait -It’s easier than it sounds, and the great thing is you can use different flavored chocolate.

Now, if you want to splurge a little on your romantic dinner and make it really special, try a little thing I like to call Cater Waiter.

Again, your favorite restaurant, your favorite food, but this time you hire your favorite server. Talk about romance! Your own private waiter seeing to your every need. All you do is choose the menu and the server will take care of the rest. From pick up to clean up. At your home, the office or anywhere your imagination leads you, you get to sit back and enjoy what’s sure to be a very romantic and pampering evening.

Now that I’ve set the mood, the rest is up to you!

Pears avec Chocolait

¾  cup sugar

4 cups water

Juice of 1 large orange

2 cinnamon sticks

4 cloves

2 tbsp. bandy

2 firm Anjou or Comice pears, stems left intact

4oz. unsweetened chocolate, broken into small piece.

2oz. semi-sweet chocolate, broken into small pieces

or

1 (12oz.) bag semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water and cook, stirring for, about 3 minutes, until the sugar has dissolved. Stir in the orange juice, cinnamon, cloves and brandy, simmer, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Peel the pears and trim the bottoms so that they stand upright. Place the pears in the syrup and poach until tender, 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the ripeness of the pears (test with a toothpick). Allow the pears to cool in the syrup, then chill thoroughly, preferably overnight.

Place both chocolates in the top of a double boiler set over simmering water. Add the butter and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from the heat.

Remove the pears from the syrup and gently pat dry. Dip the pears into the melted chocolate and coat evenly, using a spoon if necessary. Lift the pears to drain off the excess chocolate. Arrange on a serving dish and garnish with mint. (The pears will keep in the refrigerator for up to 36 hours. Allow to come to room temperature before serving).

Serves 2

This Kids Valentine’s table is pretty in pink, red & white with hearts of plenty. 

Heart shaped sandwiches can be delicious and nutritious, when you dress it up with fun.

There’s even a chance the kids won’t notice the extra fiber they’ll get from the 100% whole wheat bread. These simple treats will be fun to eat; PB & J with added sliced strawberries, bananas, or grapes. Low-fat grilled cheese sandwiches or carrot and celery sticks with a low-cal dressing placed in a heart shaped dish. Place a straw in a tall glass filled with candy treats and you’ve got a confectionary shake.
Valentine napkins, heart shaped candies and heart cookie cutters add the finial touch.

Kathy Ireland:Love of Life by kathyirelandWW

BLP Commerce Partners with kathy ireland Worldwide®
To Launch Eco-Elegant Floral Collection for OrganicBouquet.com

Largest Online Provider of Eco-Friendly Floral Gifts Expands Offerings with kathy ireland Designs in Time for Valentine’s Day

LOCATION (Date) – BLP Commerce, Inc., the parent company of eco-lifestyle brand Organic Bouquet (www.OrganicBouquet.com), is proud to announce today a long-term partnership agreement with lifestyle designer Kathy Ireland and her company, kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®). Together, the companies will design and market a line of eco-elegant floral gift products that ensure workers are paid fair livable wages under certified sustainable standards.

Organic Bouquet, located in Central Florida, is a mission-based company focusing on environmental, social and economic sustainability. Organic Bouquet’s flowers are grown in a manner that is not only environmentally friendly, but also provides outstanding resources for farm workers and artisans by providing zero-interest loans, childcare, healthcare, education, environmental protection, and more. Certified Sustainable Farms employ over 60% women from surrounding villages and pay fair, livable wages that far exceed government minimum mandates.

Sustainably grown floral products provide valuable jobs and environmental protections in areas that often suffer from low wage and high use of toxic synthetic chemicals,” said Robert McLaughlin, CEO of BLP Commerce. “We’re so excited for this new partnership, and look forward to working with Kathy Ireland and her talented team on projects from sustainable farming to socially empowering business practices.”

The kathy ireland Designs Collection will debut on OrganicBouquet.com in time for Valentine’s Day, and a full retail collection will hit retailers nationwide by Mothers Day 2013.

“It is a great joy to join BLP Commerce, as we bring sustainably grown, florals and garden products, to American families.

Our partnership will develop with incredible support from, Nicholas Walker, of kathy ireland Designs, Jardin. Nicholas is a true leader in sustainability and a genius, in the glory of all things garden.

Everyone at kathy ireland Worldwide sends, Happy Valentine’s Day wishes to Robert, the extraordinary team at BLP Commerce and to the customers we will serve together,” said Kathy Ireland.

Kathy Ireland’s mission of “….finding solutions for people in love,” combined with BLP Commerce’s online marketplace for consumers looking for eco-elegant floral products, made this partnership a natural fit for both brands.

Please visit Organicbouquet.com to experince all of Kathy’s latest sustanable organic floural design

ABOUT BLP COMMERCE, INC
BLP Commerce, Inc. is a family of environmental and socially responsible brands. OrganicBouquet.com is the flagship brand, the largest online retail florist offering organic and eco-friendly gifts for all occasions. OrganicBouquet.com was recently added to Internet Retailer’s prestigious Second Top 500 list; EcoFlowers.com is the wholesale division for the company and holds farm direct supply of certified sustainable floral products; Xtranet Solutions is a green IT company based in Central Florida focused on managed services for its clients and is an authorized reseller for HP, Cisco, Microsoft and over 25 cloud service providers.

ABOUT kathy ireland Worldwide

kathy ireland Worldwide® (kiWW®) is the design and marketing firm founded in 1993 by CEO and Chief Designer, Kathy Ireland. The mission statement of kiWW® is “…finding solutions for families, especially busy moms.” ™ kiWW® turns to design experts in many areas.

Forbes.com names Kathy Ireland one of the 20 Best-Branded Women on Twitter. In 2012 Forbes featured Kathy on the cover with reports of kiWW annual sales at over $1.9 billion. 2010 License Global Magazine named kathy ireland Worldwide #28 most powerful licensed brand globally. 2012 Women’s Wear Daily celebrated kathy ireland Worldwide with cover story and feature naming kiWW “a licensing juggernaut.” Kathy was the selected speaker for 2012 Forbes CEO Global Conference in Dubai.

kiWW® maintains offices and design studios in Los Angeles, Rancho Mirage, and Santa Barbara, CA, Hawaii, North Carolina and Israel. Additional information is available at www.kathyireland.com
SOURCE BLP Commerce, Inc.

“

from our friends at the California Asparagus Commission 

1 pound asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 2 inch pieces

8 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated

6 ounces good country ham, or 4

ounces Prosciutto, finely chopped or

ground in food processor

1 10 oz French baguette, cut into 1/2-

inch slices, grilled or toasted

3 garlic cloves, peeled and cut in half

extra-virgin olive oil

kosher salt

freshly ground black pepper

Preheat broiler.

Bring a large sauté pan of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the

asparagus and cook until tender crisp, about 2 minutes. Transfer the asparagus

to a colander, refresh under cold running water to stop the cooking, and drain

well. Set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the cheese and ham; toss to mix. Set aside.

Using your fingers to hold the garlic, rub the clove against one side of the toasted

bread to flavor the entire surface. Drizzle or brush with a bit of the olive oil.

Arrange the blanched asparagus on the toasts, then divide the cheese and ham

topping evenly over the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper.

Place bruschetta on a baking sheet and broil just until the cheese melts and

begins to brown, about 1-2 minutes. Keep a careful watch so as not to burn.

Serve immediately.

Serves 12 (3 pieces per serving)

Nutrients per serving: calories 177, calories from fat 72, fat 8 gms, saturated

fat 4 gms, cholesterol 28 gms, sodium 404 mg, carbohydrates 16 gms, dietary fiber,1

gm, protein 12 gms.

“The recipe and image is provided to you through the courtesy of www.calasparagus.com”

© California Asparagus Commission