The Flower Blog

Keep Your Furry Friends Safe and Happy This 4th of July!

Posted by Tue, Jun 18, 2024 @ 03:48 PM

blog.gillespieflorists.comhubfs20230715_152752_0000The 4th of July is a time for celebration, filled with barbecues, fireworks, and festive gatherings. While it’s a fun and exciting day for us, it can be a stressful and even dangerous time for our furry friends. At Gilespie Florists, we care about all members of your family, including your beloved pets. Here are some tips and tricks to ensure your pets have a safe and enjoyable Independence Day!

🐾 4th of July Pet Safety Tips

1. Keep Pets Indoors: Fireworks can be terrifying for animals. The loud noises and bright flashes can cause anxiety and fear. Keep your pets indoors in a safe, quiet room where they feel comfortable. Close windows and curtains to muffle the sound of fireworks and play some calming music to help soothe them.

2. Update Identification: Make sure your pet’s ID tags and microchip information are up-to-date. In case your pet gets scared and runs off, proper identification will help reunite you more quickly.

3. Avoid Human Food: Barbecues are a staple of 4th of July celebrations, but many human foods can be harmful to pets. Keep alcoholic beverages, chocolate, grapes, onions, and any food with bones out of their reach. Stick to pet-safe treats to include them in the festivities.

4. Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable area for your pet with their favorite bed, toys, and blankets. This can be their refuge if they feel stressed or scared. You might also consider using a crate if that’s their safe space.

5. Exercise Beforehand: Take your dog for a long walk or engage in a good play session before the festivities begin. A tired pet is a relaxed pet, and they’ll be more likely to rest during the evening’s activities.

6. Avoid Fireworks and Sparklers: Never use fireworks or sparklers around pets. Even unused fireworks can contain toxic substances, and lit fireworks can cause severe injuries. It’s best to keep them far away from these dangers.

🎉 Pet-Friendly Celebration Ideas

Want to include your pets in the celebration? Here are some fun and safe ways to do so:

1. Pet-Friendly BBQ Treats: Make some special pet-safe treats. There are plenty of recipes online for dog-friendly “pupsicles” or cat-friendly snacks. Your pet will love being included in the holiday feast!

2. Patriotic Pet Accessories: Dress your pet in some festive, comfortable 4th of July gear. Think bandanas, collars, or lightweight t-shirts. Make sure they’re comfortable and not too tight or hot.

3. Quiet Time Activities: While you’re enjoying the festivities, give your pets something to keep them occupied. Puzzle toys, chew toys, and interactive feeders can provide a fun distraction.

🐶 Products for a Calm and Happy Pet

Check out these products to help your pets stay calm during the fireworks:

  • Calming Treats and Supplements: Look for natural calming treats that can help reduce anxiety.
  • Comfortable Pet Beds: A cozy bed can provide a safe retreat for your pet.
  • Interactive Toys: Keep your pet occupied and distracted from the noise with engaging toys.
  • Thundershirts: These snug-fitting garments can help alleviate anxiety by applying gentle pressure.

The 4th of July is a wonderful time to celebrate with friends and family, and that includes our pets. By taking a few precautions and planning ahead, you can ensure that your furry friends stay safe and happy during the festivities.

Shop Independence Day bouquets now

 

Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, Shopping local, Flowers and gifts, Holiday Flowers, Pets, Dog, Independence Day, July 4th

Deck the Halls with Deals! The Sale Before CHRISTMAS is Here!

Posted by Thu, Dec 14, 2023 @ 03:57 PM

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Deck the Halls with Deals! The Sale Before CHRISTMAS is Here!

 

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and what better way to spread cheer than with amazing savings? Get ready to jingle all the way to our store because The Sale Before CHRISTMAS is upon us! From December 18th to 24th, it's your chance to score incredible deals on all your holiday wish list items and more.

Unwrap 25% off every corner of Christmas:

    • Deck the halls: Trim your tree and adorn your home with festive flair. All Christmas décor is 25% off, from sparkling ornaments to twinkling light up figurines.
    • Gifts that give joy: Shower your loved ones with delightful surprises. Any giftware, from cozy throws and charming trinkets to chic vases, is 25% off.
    • Cuddle up and cozy down: Make someone's winter extra warm and cuddly with our 25% off plush sale. Snuggle-worthy stuffed animals and throw blankets await!
    • Silk surprises: Stock up on artificial flowers that make life brighter, like silk Christmas centerpieces and outdoor wreaths, all at 25% off. Plus, treat yourself to cemetery saddles and cemetery cans to remember your loved ones.
    • Light the way, scent the air: Create a warm and inviting atmosphere with 25% off candles and other delightful home fragrance items.

But wait, there's more!

    • Don't forget the last-minute gifts: Everyday gift items are also 25% off, perfect for those unexpected stockings to fill or impromptu gift exchanges.
    • Holiday Cheer at Every Corner: This sale doesn't include fresh flowers and plants, but we have tons of festive décor and gift items to keep your holiday spirits high! Get ready to deck the halls and fill stockings with joy.
    • As is, with love: Serviced products (those requiring alterations or changes) are also excluded from the sale, but everything else is up for grabs!
    • Shop in-store for non-delivery delights: Unfortunately, sale items cannot be delivered, so come on down and soak up the holiday cheer while you shop!

Restrictions may apply, so visit our store for complete details and let our friendly staff answer any questions you might have. Don't miss your chance to deck the halls, stock up on gifts, and treat yourself to some holiday goodies at The Sale Before CHRISTMAS! We can't wait to see you there!

Call us at 317.273.1100 for more information and let the merry shopping begin!

Don't have time to come in and shop? No Worries! We got you covered! Shop online for delivery in the Indianapolis area and surrounding communities! We'll be accepting orders until Noon on December 24th for same day delivery!

 

Shop Christmas Bouquets

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Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Shopping local, holiday deals, holiday, christmas traditions, informational, silk flowers, silk flowers indianapolis, silk flowers sale, Silk Arrangements, holiday traditions, Christmas wreaths, gift ideas for him, gift ideas, discounts, Christmas flowers, Holiday Flowers, fresh flowers, Christmas Gifts, Before Christmas, Christmas

Unwrapping Nature's Beauty

Posted by Tue, Dec 05, 2023 @ 03:48 PM

20230715_152752_0000'Tis the season of giving, and what better way to spread holiday cheer than with the gift of nature's beauty? In this festive blog post, we'll explore the unique gifts that plants and flowers bring to the table. From classic elegance to vibrant charm, these treasures are sure to make your Christmas celebrations even more special. 

PoinsettiaPoinsettias: The Classic Elegance: Poinsettias are the most popular plants of the Christmas season. Their vibrant red, green, and white hues instantly evoke the spirit of the season. Considered a symbol of prosperity and good cheer, poinsettias make for a timeless and thoughtful gift. With various sizes and color options available, you can choose the perfect poinsettia to brighten someone's holiday and home.


Christmas CactusChristmas Cactus: A Delicate Surprise: For a unique and unexpected gift, look no further than the Christmas cactus. With its trailing branches and delicate blooms, this plant brings a touch of elegance to any space. The Christmas cactus is not only beautiful to look at, but it's also easy to care for, making it an ideal gift for both seasoned gardeners and those new to the world of plants. 


CenterpieceCenterpieces: A Table Set for Joy: Elevate your holiday table with the gift of a festive centerpiece. A centerpiece can add a touch of warmth and charm to any Christmas gathering. Consider gifting a beautifully crafted centerpiece to friends or family, bringing the joy of the season right to their dining table.


WreathWreaths: Welcoming the Season with Style: Wreaths are not just for the front door—they make exquisite gifts that symbolize the circle of giving and love. A wreath is a versatile and thoughtful present to help your loved ones adorn their homes with the spirit of the holidays.


No matter what your budget or style, we have a Christmas flower arrangement that is perfect for you.

Visit us in store or online to see our selection of Christmas flowers and arrangements. And don't forget our holiday sale coming up December 18-24th.

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Topics: Holidays, Seasonal, Gillespie Florists, Indianapolis, Shopping local, Real Local Florist, holiday, poinsettia, after Christmas sale, christmas traditions, Flowers and gifts, Christmas wreaths, Christmas flowers, Holiday Flowers, plants, Christmas Gifts, Before Christmas, Benefits of Plants, Benefits of Flowers

Customer Service With A Smile: The Human Connection

Posted by Tue, Nov 26, 2013 @ 10:22 AM

kprofile_Badge-01-01"Beep beep beep, bomp bomp boop, beep bo bip BEEEP"

"Hello…Welcome to the automated customer service center. We will now give you 5 options to choose from to get to the next level of service, please select now…."

"BEEP"

 

"Thank you for choosing, now please state what service you need using 1 word clearly spoken"

"Representative"

"Sorry..I didn't get that. Please repeat"

"Service"

"That is not an option, Please try again"

"A live person"

"...Could you repeat please?"

"Operator"

"I'm sorry, if you would like to speak to a customer service representative, please press 0 now"

"THWOMP"….that was my head…on my desk.

There are usually 2 outcomes from a customer service experience such as this one. I rejoice in having the patience to survive the time-sucking gauntlet of robot-lady voices to the final goal of reaching a live person, OR, I'm mad as a hatter for having to explain my question once reaching a live person after selecting 20 options to get to the one who should KNOW why i am calling in the first place!    

SarahCustomerService

Technology is a wonderful thing which can streamline daily processes; it is also the root all of evil for people who just want to talk to somebody! Consider this interaction after picking up the phone and dialing another 10 numbers...

"Beep beep" "beep beep"

"Gillespie Florists this is Sarah, how may I help you?"

(oh you had me at hello, you're human right off the bat)

Speaking to someone directly makes things better immediately. You are not waiting 10 minutes to reach an individual, you pick up the phone and tadah! There they are!  Granted you might have to listen to some interlude music but you're 1 person from your destination instead of playing 20 questions with the robot lady.  I don't know about you but given the choice, I choose a human. Now why would this be important?  To me, that's part of great customer service, which is one of many advantages of working with small businesses and shopping local.  

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Customer service is important to the survival of small companies because lets face it, given the choice if you have a bad experience  with a company, do you want to return with your business? Give them your hard earned money to feel like another drop in the bucket, an expendable customer? Um...not me and hopefully not you either!   How does a business keep you coming back but through quality, price, and great customer service? I want to go where everyone knows my name (well...that's a long shot) but where I can walk in the door and am greeted with a friendly hello, perhaps see a friend, and start shopping, or getting seated for a meal. 

My little family doesn't do a great deal of shopping, however we do have 1 meal out a week on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon. There are about 6 restaurants on our rotation and they are all local, small restaurants.  Sure we will hit up a food chain once in a blue moon but the majority of the time, I like the little places for a number of reasons.

1. Great food 

2. Good price for the great food

3. Longest wait time is usually 10 minutes ( in kid time, that's 2 hours)

4. Friendly staff   

5. Great service

We have been going to these restaurants for years.  I love the fact we can go in and see familiar faces. We can sit down and the guy who preps the table and pours the water automatically gives us an empty styrofoam cup for our youngest because he remembers our routine. Another favorite place, we don't need to say "booth seating with a high chair please". We walk in the door, they smile and wave us on back with a high chair in tow. It's the little things which make a big difference. Scratch that, it's the PEOPLE who make the difference, and they are the reason why we return to those places and spend the time and money that we do there.  

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Something to think about as Small Business Saturday approaches towards the end of November every year. What stands out in your shopping experience?  Is the the percentage off price tag or the person making friendly small talk as your purchases are rang up.  The waiter who smiles and asks a follow up question to your 6 year old when he blurts out what he learned about pilgrims yesterday?

Or maybe you just happen to visit your local florist, perhaps Gillespie Florists, having no clue what you need but by golly, you have GOT to get something for your mothers holiday dinner tomorrow.  

Walk in the door and be greeted with a smile and friendly staff looking forward to helping you out, or pick up the phone and chat with someone who can help find the perfect bouquet. Little things make a big difference. And a little less time conversing with robot-lady doesn't hurt either.  

Click here or come on by our location off 10th & Raceway to see what we have to offer in celebration of Small Business Saturday! We are proud and ready to serve you!

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Topics: Shopping local, customer service, small business, local florist, great customer service, informational